He Barça de Xavi has an outstanding debt with the Champions. And she wants to settle it at Wembley, a temple for all Barcelona fans. To achieve this, the player from Terrassa has the best possible ally, a Joao Felix that has come for make differences and return the European illusion. The Portuguese is a magician of the ball, a footballer capable of leaving the entire stands speechless, by the way, increasingly populated. He is fulfilling his childhood dream and the Barça fan couldn’t be happier.
With the Joaos, because Cancelo also plays his part… and with Raphinha. The Brazilian was the novelty up front, Xavi looking to distribute minutes and efforts. Gallons of pivot for a Frenkie de Jong who already dares to do everything, even with incredible drives, and a lot of superiority in the center of the field. Gavi does not stop, Cancelo becomes another interior in the construction, Joao Félix is pure art and Gündogan is seeing the light as practically a playmaker.
The Barça of resources
With the incorporation of the Portuguese, Barça is no longer a predictable team. Danger can come from anywhere and the occupation of spaces unsettles the rival. There is a lot, a lot of talent on this team.
And Joao Félix has plenty of talent for this. Goal and assist in the first twenty minutes. He opened the can after combining with an excellent Gündogan between the lines and the Portuguese broke the waist of his marker to place it where he wanted.
The recital did not stop here. She received a measured pass from Frenkie, galloped and He gave a cross to the far post that Lewandowski did not waste -he will play better or worse, but he is always there, in the decisive zone- to sign the Polish ‘killer’ his centenary goal in Europe.
An Antwerp that had started with a good touch on the ball was deactivated, but had to give up in the face of the Barça avalanche. To not have it, the Belgians were not even fortunate. Raphinha went to the left and his cross was deflected into the net by defender Bataille. 3-0 like someone who doesn’t want the thing.
Eleven minutes of glory
An overwhelming Barça, capable of scoring three goals in 11 minutes on his return to the top continental competition. Little more can be asked for. With such a wide score and such a tight schedule, it was about continuing to like each other, but at a different pace. Even so, he unsuccessfully asked for a handball inside Coulibaly’s area and Raphinha signed a couple of arrivals before the break. Ter Stegen was only seen in a shot by Muja that the German saved with ease.
Just starting the second half, a good statement of intentions with a somewhat forced shot from Gündogan. Van Bommel’s Antwerp closed to, at least, not fit in anymore… and he took the fourth. It’s all power, for the good and the not so good – another avoidable yellow – but how necessary it is to have a Gavi in your team! He smashed the ball on a rebound and celebrated as always, as if his life depended on it.
Lamine debut… and two great occasions
Xavi was able to freshen up soon with the entry of Oriol Romeu and Fermín. One returned to the Champions League a decade later, and the other made his debut. Frenkie and Gavi got a great and well-deserved ovation.
None like that of Joao Félix when he was replaced. He became lazy, little by little, to listen to a crowd that already idolizes him. Cancelo, Lewy… and Lamine Yamal had them. All attention was focused on the youth player, who zealously sought to be the youngest scorer in the Champions League. He had two great chances. It would have been the icing on the cake. But surely, surely he will get it sooner rather than later.