Barcelona kicked off their UEFA Champions League Group H campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory against Royal Antwerp.
Joao Felix, who has been displaying immense potential, scored twice and provided an assist, demonstrating that he might be getting back to his best.
Robert Lewandowski also added to the scoreline, reaching a milestone of 100 goals in UEFA competitions.
The Catalan giants were a class apart throughout the game, striking three times inside the opening 22 minutes to leave the Belgian outfit already contemplating damage limitation.
The Portuguese forward, Joao Felix, opened the scoring in 11 minutes with a low strike, marking his Barca debut in the competition in style.
He then turned provider eight minutes later, crossing for Lewandowski to notch a century of goals across UEFA club competitions.
At this point, Barcelona’s attacking verve was relentless, and they added a third when Jelle Bataille deflected Raphinha’s cross into his own net.
The pattern continued after the interval with Gabi rifling high into the net for his first goal in the competition before Joao Felix capped a virtuoso showing with his second of the night via a back post header on 66 minutes.
Barcelona now tops Group H ahead of FC Porto on goal difference.
Xavi’s men looked sharp, and the burgeoning relationship between Joao Felix and Robert Lewandowski gives supporters real reason for optimism.
The club now looks to have significant firepower once again, and Xavi has done an excellent job in putting together a squad that looks capable of challenging on all fronts.
The Blaugrana has failed to get out of the group stage in the past two seasons but will be quietly confident of navigating this pool on this occasion, with FC Porto offering their only realistic threat.
Royal Antwerp’s first match back at Europe’s top table in 65 years ended in dismay, as the Belgian minnows were torn to shreds.
However, they will take some solace that things can only get better as this was probably their toughest Group H assignment on paper.
Joao Felix was the player of the match, showcasing his immense skills and potential, and looking revitalized in his new role with the Catalan giants.
