João Félix scored two goals as Barcelona defeated Belgian visitors Antwerp 5-0 in Group E of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. After being eliminated in the group stage for the last two seasons, Barcelona taught their opponents, who are participating in the Champions League for the first time, a harsh lesson. Barcelona's coach, Xavi Hernández, said, "Between this victory and the 5-0 win against Real Betis on Saturday, I think we have delivered our best performance since I took over. This is the path we want to follow. I am proud of the team."
Félix, who joined Barcelona on the last day of the summer transfer window, opened the scoring in the 11th minute and assisted teammate Robert Lewandowski for the second goal eight minutes later. The Polish striker reached 100 goals in European competitions, becoming the third player to achieve this feat after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Raphinha sent a ball that was mistakenly deflected into the goal by defender Jelle Bataille, putting Barcelona 3-0 up in the 22nd minute. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen saved a shot from winger Arbnor Muca.
The team, coached by Hernández, entered the second half determined to increase their tally in their 28th group stage appearance, matching the record held by rivals Real Madrid. Gavi made it 4-0 with a powerful shot into the roof of the net, and Félix completed the scoreline with a header. The result reflected Barcelona's dominance in the match, as the Spanish champions had 22 shots compared to three for Antwerp, who earned their spot in the tournament after winning the Belgian league title for the first time in 60 years. This is Antwerp's fifth consecutive European participation and their second in the European Cup after appearing in the 1957-1958 season. Antwerp's coach, Mark van Bommel, said, "Barcelona's first three shots on goal resulted in three goals. (Barcelona) is at its best, and it makes sense as they continue to play and pass. This is what we want to achieve, but we still have a long way to go and nothing to be ashamed of. This is a lesson for us."
In the same group, Porto won 3-1 against Shakhtar Donetsk away in Hamburg.
