ANTWERP (AP) – Last-place Antwerp bid farewell to the Champions League in style with a 3-2 win over Barcelona yesterday after 17-year-old forward George Ilenikhena scored in second-half stoppage time.
Antwerp had lost its five previous matches and was going to finish last in Group H regardless of the result. Barcelona had already qualified for the knockout stage before kickoff and finished top of the group despite the loss.
With nothing left to play for, Antwerp attacked from the start in a game full of twists and turns.
The hosts immediately imposed high pressing, creating their first chance in the opening minute and breaking the deadlock in the second with a goal from 18-year-old Arthur Vermeeren.
Ferran Torres levelled for the Spanish champions before Antwerp forward Vincent Janssen made it 2-1 in the second half. Marc Guiu silenced the home fans in added time from a set piece at the packed Bosuilstadion but despair quickly made way for frenetic celebrations as Ilenikhena restored Antwerp’s lead a minute later.
Antwerp kept attacking and controlled proceedings until Barcelona made the most of one of its rare chances on the counter to level in the 35th minute. Torres was perfectly set up in the box by Yamal’s excellent through ball and slotted home past Jean Butez.
Janssen had a goal cancelled for an offside position before Yamal hit the crossbar in an enthralling start to the second half.
Antwerp kept pushing hard and Janssen was finally able to add his name to the scoresheet in the 56th after Alhassan Yussuf stole the ball from Romeu Xavi made three changes, sending in Ilkay Gundogan, Pedri and Joao Cancelo for the last 30 minutes. Antwerp defended its lead well until Guiu headed home Gundogan’s free kick before Ilenikhena had the last word.
Second-place Porto beat Shakhtar Donetsk 5-3 in the other group game to advance with Barcelona. Shakhtar finished third with nine points, six more than Antwerp.
