Barcelona, Spain, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Barcelona's new forward Joao Felix struck twice in a 5-0 demolition of visiting Royal Antwerp in their Champions League Group H opener at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday.
After successive group-stage eliminations, Barca gave debutants Antwerp a football masterclass, dominating possession with quick passing as Felix, Lewandowski and Gavi all scored.
"Between this win and the 5-0 against Betis on Saturday I think this is probably the best quality of play we've produced since I took over," coach Xavi Hernandez said.
The arrival of Félix and Cancelo has been the catalyst for Barça's last two wins, with both new signings impressing in the victories against Betis and Antwerp.
Félix followed up his strike against Betis with a brace against Antwerp, while he also set up the second goal for Lewandowski, who converted for the 100th time in European competitions.
"He has bags of individual quality and an innate talent, but also the humility and the patience to work hard to understand where the space is and how to link play," Xavi said of Félix, who is on loan from Atletico Madrid.
"I have told him to enjoy himself, have fun and that we play an attacking game that can get the best out of his qualities.
Tuesday's match, meanwhile, marks the first time Antwerp have appeared in the group stage of the tournament, with the Belgian champs reaching this phase via the playoffs after defeating AEK Athens 3-1 on aggregate.
Below, we'll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the every game live wherever you are in the world.
Barca's third came more by luck than judgement, as a cross sent into the box by Raphinha was inadvertently deflected into his own goal by defender Jelle Bataille. After half-time, meanwhile, Gavi added a fourth with a powerful finish into the top corner, as the Catalan giants scythed through the Antwerp defence.
Felix then scored a superb back-post header after Raphinha's cross to make it 5-0, and put the cherry on what was an absolutely sublime performance.
Barca's dominance was reflected in 22 goal attempts compared to only three from Antwerp, who were playing in the Champions League after winning their domestic league title for the first time in more than 60 years last season.
It is the Belgian side's fifth successive campaign in Europe and their second in the continent's leading club competition after they featured in the European Cup in the 1957-58 season.
"(Barcelona's) first three shots on target were three goals for them," said Antwerp coach Mark van Bommel.
"They are on top of the world. That makes sense, they keep playing, tapping, turning, that's where we have to go but we're still a long way from that, but that's no shame. That is a very big learning moment for us."
Read more
Champions League: PSG vs. Borussia Dortmund Jamaal Williams may miss Week 2 because of his injurySarah H
Also on site :
- Rainbow Six Siege Servers Reportedly Breached — Players Urged to Avoid Logging In
- Minnesota college running star Mohammed Bati says he was banned for accepting $6K donation to pay for tuition
- Islanders, Rangers meet at critical juncture — three factors will be key for each team as season wears on