Unexpected Victory Propels Antwerp to First Points in Champions League Journey
In a surprising turn of events on Wednesday, Royal Antwerp clinched their first-ever Champions League victory with a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Barcelona at home. Despite the teenage sensation Arthur Vermeeren putting Antwerp in the lead just 90 seconds into the game, Barcelona managed to level the score with a goal from Ferran Torres just before halftime.
Vincent Janssen reestablished Antwerp’s lead early in the second half, setting the stage for a nail-biting encounter. The drama intensified when 17-year-old Marc Guiu netted an equalizer in stoppage time, seemingly denying Antwerp their historic win. However, in a remarkable twist, Antwerp swiftly countered from the kick-off, securing the victory with yet another teenage standout, George Ilenikhena.
While this win spared Antwerp from a winless debut Champions League campaign, they concluded the group stage at the bottom of the standings. Barcelona, who fielded a rotated squad, had already secured a top-two spot before the match, and Porto’s 5-3 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk affirmed Barcelona’s position as the group winners, despite the setback.
