Antwerp 3-2 Barcelona: Player ratings as late goals decide thriller in Belgium

Barcelona finished the Champions League group stage top of their table but fell to a shock defeat on matchday six to Belgian side Antwerp after a chaotic few minutes of stoppage time.

17-year-old Barca substitute Marc Guiu had equalised at the death for Xavi’s side after they had twice trailed to the team they beat 5-0 on matchday one back in September, but it was 17-year-old Antwerp forward George Ilenikhena who sealed a famous result with an even later goal.

Arthur Vermeeren, the 18-year-old Barca and several other top sides have been keeping an eye on this season, gave Antwerp a dream start within a couple of minutes. That was cancelled out by Ferran Torres in the first half, while ex-Tottenham Hotspur striker Vincent Janssen scored a second for the Belgian champions to restore their lead soon after half-time.

How the game unfolded

The match had barely kicked off before Barcelona found themselves behind and it was a goal of their own making. Vermeeren intercepted the ball high up the pitch after goalkeeper Inaki Pena’s distribution put his teammates under pressure, with the youngster gratefully firing home.

Barca proceeded to dominate the ball as would always be expected from them, but the next chance fell to Antwerp too when Janssen swivelled in the box and hit a shot into the grasp of Pena. And for all that they were controlling the game, the visiting giants couldn’t find the gaps in their opponent’s defence and the frustration was beginning to become visible.

Remarkably, the equaliser from Torres was Barcelona’s first attempt of the game, taking 35 minutes to get the ball into a shooting position and unleash. The counter attack goal was made by Lamine Yamal, whose precision pass into the path of his teammate was clinically converted.

Sergi Roberto was shown a straight red card early in the second half and had VAR to thank for being allowed to stay on the pitch. His challenge on Mandela Keita was late and certainly looked painful for the Antwerp midfielder as Roberto forcefully came down on his foot, but a red seemed harsh.

Even with 11 players, Barca fell behind for a second time. Again, it was an error that presented Antwerp the chance, with Oriol Romeu’s pocket picked on the egde of his own box. Seconds later, Janssen had smashed the ball past Pena after being played in by Alhassan Yussuf.

Xavi turned to the bench fairly soon after and one of the replacements, Pedri, was only denied a second Barca equaliser by a last ditch challenge a few yards from goal. But, in truth, Antwerp weren’t playing like a side who came into this contest as the only team in the competition without a point and conceding an average of three goals per game. Chidera Ejuke had Pena worried with a shot from near the centre circle, while corners also posed a threat.

Barcelona thought they had done enough to spare their blushes as the clock ticked over the 90 when Guiu ghosted between Antwerp to nod in Ilkay Gundogan’s in-swinging free-kick. But the home side went right up the other end to win it when Ilenikhena was put through on goal by fellow Jelle Bataille after a defensive mix up and the teenager kept his composure to finish.

Barcelona player ratings (4-3-3)

GK: Inaki Pena - 5/10 - At fault in the build-up to the early Antwerp breakthrough.

RB: Hector Fort - 5/10 - Tough night for the 17-year-old.

CB: Jules Kounde - 4/10 - Off the pace in key moments, including for Antwerp's late winner.

CB: Andreas Christensen - 6/10 - A bit better than his centre-back partner.

LB: Alejandro Balde - 7/10 - Always looking to get forward and played with purpose most didn't have.

CM: Sergi Roberto (c) - 5/10 - VAR spared him a red card and suspension. High passing numbes but very little telling impact for his lacklustre side.

CM: Oriol Romeu - 3/10 - Safe with the ball to keep possession, except for the super key moment when he lost it to gift Antwerp their second. Subbed minutes later for more creativity.

CM: Fermin Lopez - 4/10 - Didn't do anything like enough to imprint himself on the game.

RW: Ferran Torres - 6/10 - Took his goal well under pressure from defenders.

ST: Robert Lewandowski - 5/10 - Starved of service.

LW: Lamine Yamal - 7/10 - It was eye of the needle stuff to set up Torres for the equaliser.

Substitutes

SUB: Ilkay Gundogan (60' for Romeu) - 6/10

SUB: Pedri (60 'for Lopez) - 7/10

SUB: Joao Cancelo (60' for Fort) - 6/10

SUB: Marc Guiu (72' for Lewandowski) - 6/10

SUB: Marc Casado (76' for Roberto) - 5/10

Subs not used: Astralaga (GK), Kochen (GK), Cubarsi, Garrido, Raphinha, Felix, Alarcon

Manager

Xavi - 6/10 - Valued the importance of giving younger players opportunities by withdrawing Robert Lewandowski when trailing and leaving Raphinha and Joao Felix unused on the bench.

Player of the match - Arthur Vermeeren (Antwerp)

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