UEFA Champions League: Royal Antwerp Get Surprise a 3-2 Win Over Barcelona – News18

Last-place Antwerp bid farewell to the Champions League in model with a 3-2 win over Barcelona on Wednesday after 17-yr-previous ahead George Ilenikhena scored in second-half stoppage time.

Antwerp had misplaced its 5 earlier matches and was going to complete final in Group H whatever the outcome. Barcelona had already certified for the knockout stage earlier than kickoff and completed prime of the group regardless of the loss.

With nothing left to play for, Antwerp attacked from the beginning in a sport stuffed with twists and turns.

The hosts instantly imposed excessive urgent, creating their first probability within the opening minute and breaking the impasse within the second with a aim from 18-yr-previous Arthur Vermeeren.

Ferran Torres leveled for the Spanish champions earlier than Antwerp ahead Vincent Janssen made it 2-1 within the second half. Marc Guiu silenced the house followers in added time from a set piece on the packed Bosuilstadion however despair shortly made method for frenetic celebrations as Ilenikhena restored Antwerp’s lead a minute later.

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Barcelona made seven adjustments to the aspect that misplaced 4-2 at residence to Girona within the Spanish league on the weekend. Barcelona coach Xavi nonetheless fielded a very aggressive workforce, with Robert Lewandowski beginning up entrance alongside up-and-coming Lamine Yamal on the proper, and Torres on the opposite wing.

“It was a difficult and tough match,” Xavi mentioned. “They played aggressively and were good defensively. We didn’t play that well. We were not comfortable. But the first goal was to be in the round of 16 and there we are. We look forward to the draw (on Monday).”

Vermeeren put the hosts in entrance after Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena handed the ball to Oriol Romeu, who couldn’t management it correctly. Vermeeren gained possession and adopted up with a shot into the proper aspect of the web.

Antwerp saved attacking and managed proceedings till Barcelona made probably the most of one in all its uncommon probabilities on the counter to stage within the thirty fifth minute. Torres was completely arrange within the field by Yamal’s glorious by way of ball and slotted residence previous Jean Butez.

Both groups saved the identical depth after the interval.

Janssen had a aim canceled for an offside place earlier than Yamal hit the crossbar in an enthralling begin to the second half.

Antwerp saved pushing arduous and Janssen was lastly in a position so as to add his identify to the scoresheet within the 56th after Alhassan Yussuf stole the ball from Romeu

Xavi made three adjustments, sending in Ilkay Gundogan, Pedri and Joao Cancelo for the final half-hour. Antwerp defended its lead nicely till Guiu headed residence Gundogan’s free kick earlier than Ilenikhena had the final phrase.

Second-place Porto beat Shakhtar Donetsk 5-3 within the different group sport to advance with Barcelona.

Shakhtar completed third with 9 factors, six greater than Antwerp.

(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)