Joao Felix continues fine scoring form as Barcelona sweep past Royal Antwerp

Joao Felix continued his dream start for Barcelona with two goals and an assist as his side swept past Royal Antwerp 5-0 in their first game in Champions League Group H.

The Portugal international, who scored on his debut in another 5-0 win over Real Betis at the weekend, was in superb form against the Belgians who were returning to top-level European competition for the first time in 65 years.

Barca boss Xavi showed no mercy to Antwerp as he brought Ilkay Gundogan and Raphinha into his starting line-up and watched his side predictably dominate the opening exchanges at the Nou Camp.

Player of the Match! #BarçaAntwerp pic.twitter.com/X6Uqp0T2JE

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 19, 2023

It took just 11 minutes for Felix to make the breakthrough when he cut in from the left and flashed the opener past visiting goalkeeper Jean Butez.

Felix turned provider in the 19th minute when he floated in a superb cross and veteran striker Robert Lewandowski pounced at the far post to steer home Barcelona’s second.

It continued a brilliant start for Felix, who figured for Chelsea last season but was deemed surplus to requirements and instead found himself loaned out from Atletico Madrid to the Nou Camp.

Antwerp’s nightmare reintroduction to the top level continued as the hosts made it 3-0 four minutes later, Raphinha’s cross clipping Jelle Bataille and flying beyond Butez and in off the far post.

Barca were in cruise control but should have extended their advantage before half-time as first Raphinha saw an effort stopped at point-blank range by Butez, then Alejandro Balde selfishly screwed a shot wide with team-mates lurking.

But it was all academic as the home side continued the one-way traffic after the break, making it 4-0 after 54