Joao Felix scores again as Barcelona thrash Royal Antwerp

• Barcelona hosted Royal Antwerp in the UEFA Champions League match week 1
• Barca in brilliant form were the favourites even before kick-off
• New signing Joao Felix continued his brilliant start scoring two and assisting two in a 5-0 victory for Barca

Joao Felix continued his remarkable performance for Barcelona, delivering a masterclass with two goals and an assist as his team triumphed over Royal Antwerp 5-0 in their inaugural match of the Champions League Group H. The Portugal international, who recently found the net in his debut match during another impressive 5-0 victory against Real Betis over the weekend, showcased his extraordinary talent against the Belgians, who were making their long-awaited return to top-level European competition after a 65-year hiatus.

Barcelona’s head coach, Xavi, displayed no mercy towards Antwerp as he included Ilkay Gundogan and Raphinha in his starting lineup. His side predictably dominated the early moments of the game at the illustrious Nou Camp.

Only 11 minutes had elapsed when Felix broke the deadlock, embarking on a mesmerizing run from the left flank and rifling the opening goal past the visiting goalkeeper, Jean Butez.

In the 19th minute, Felix assumed the role of provider, delivering a sublime cross that found the experienced striker, Robert Lewandowski, at the far post. Lewandowski wasted no time in steering the ball home, securing Barcelona’s second goal.

FC Barcelona players celebrate after Robert Lewandowski scored against Royal Antwerp in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, September 19 2023. | PHOTO: FC Barcelona |

READ: Why Ilkay Gundogan left Manchester City for Barcelona

This continued a remarkable start for Felix, who had featured for Chelsea in the previous season but found himself surplus to requirements. Instead, he was loaned out from Atletico Madrid to the Nou Camp.

Antwerp’s nightmarish reintroduction to top-level competition persisted as the hosts extended their lead to 3-0 just four minutes later. Raphinha’s cross inadvertently clipped Jelle Bataille and found its way beyond Butez, nestling into the far post.

Barcelona maintained control of the game, although they missed opportunities to increase their lead before halftime. First, Raphinha had an effort thwarted by Butez at point-blank range, and then Alejandro Balde selfishly skewed a shot wide with teammates poised for a tap-in.

Nonetheless, Barcelona’s dominance continued after the break, resulting in a 4-0 lead in the 54th minute. The 19-year-old sensation, Gavi, fired home following Lewandowski’s involvement in another Barcelona attack.

The unstoppable Felix added his second of the night in the 66th minute, heading home from Raphinha’s precise cross. This goal marked the conclusion of an excruciatingly one-sided contest.

Xavi introduced 16-year-old Lamine Yamal towards the end of the match, making the Spain international the youngest player ever to feature for Barcelona in the Champions League. Notably, Yamal also became the second youngest player in the tournament’s history, with only Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko surpassing his youth.