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| Felix's double makes Barcelona beat Royal Antwerp 5-0 |
BARCELONA, Spain, September 19 (Reuters) - Barcelona's new striker Joao Felix scored twice in a 5-0 win over Royal Antwerp in their Champions League Group H opener at the ' Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday.
After consecutive eliminations in the group stage, Barca gave rookie Antwerp a level of football, dominating possession with quick passes as Felix, Lewandowski and Gavi all scored.
Barcelona vs Royal Antwerp [5-0], UEFA Champions League
"Between this win and the 5-0 win over Betis on Saturday, I think this was probably the best quality game we've produced since I took over," said coach Xavi Hernández speak.
“This is the path we want to take, the team makes me proud.
" Felix, recruited at the last minute, opened the scoring with the hosts' first try in the 11th minute, scoring with a low shot from the near post.
Portugal assisted Robert Lewandowski in the penalty area to double the lead 8 minutes later, the Polish striker became the third player to score 100 goals in a European tournament after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Raphinha helped the five-time European champions score a 3-0 goal after 22 minutes
Barcelona vs Royal Antwerp [5-0]
Winger Arbnor Muja had the opportunity to give the away team a glimmer of hope just before the end of the first half but his close-range shot from the edge of the penalty area was saved by goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen.
Barça returned after the break, determined to increase their advantage in the 28th Champions League group stage campaign, competition record shared with Real Madrid.
They didn't have to wait long as Gavi made it 4-0 with a shot into the roof of the net before Félix scored another header to complete the tie at Barça's temporary home ground against Camp Nou being destroyed and being redeveloped.
Barcelona vs Antwerp 5-0 - All Goals and Highlights - 2023
Barca's dominance is demonstrated by scoring 22 times, compared to just 3 times for Antwerp, who are playing in the Champions League after winning the domestic championship for the first time in more than 60 years last season.
This was the Belgian team's fifth consecutive campaign in Europe and finished second in the continent's main club competition following their participation in the 1957-58 European Cup.
"(Barcelona's) first three shots on target meant they got three goals," Antwerp coach Mark van Bommel said.
“They are on top of the world.It's reasonable, they keep playing, touching, turning, that's where we have to be but we're still far from there, but that's not embarrassing.
It was a huge learning moment for us." In the remaining match in Group H.,
