The 2023-2024 UEFA Champions League had an interesting clash between Royal Antwerp F.C and FC Barcelona. Both teams met during the group stage two times and every game had different elements of the strategy used, the players, and overall tactics employed.In this article we also talk about fc barcelona vs royal antwerp f.c. lineups, match overview and more.
Matchday 1: FC Barcelona 5-0 Royal Antwerp F.C.
- Date: 19th of September, 2023
- Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona
FC Barcelona’s Starting Lineup
Xavi Hernandez went into the match with the players below under a 4-3-3 formation:
- Goalkeeper: Marc-André ter Stegen
- Defenders: João Cancelo, Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde
- Midfielders: İlkay Gündoğan, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi
- Forwards: Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, João Félix
Barcelona’s Strategy appeared to focus on possession while seeking to exploit the flanks using Raphinha’s and Joyce’s technical abilities.
Royal Antwerp F.C. Starting Lineup
The manager Mark van Bommel chose a 4-3-3 Formation:
- Goalkeeper: Jean Butez
- Defenders: Jelle Bataille, Toby Alderweireld, Soumaila Coulibaly, Owen Wijndal
- Midfielders: Arthur Vermeeren, Mandela Keita, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp
- Forwards: Arbnor Muja, Vincent Janssen, Michel-Ange Balikwisha
Antwerp anticipated steady defensive coverage along with aggressive offensive capability.
Match Overview
Barcelona was on top from the beginning, which earned them a convincing 5-0 victory. The opening goal was scored by João Félix in the 11th minute, curled in a shot which was immediately followed by goals from Robert Lewandowski and Gavi antes to a Jelle Bataille own goal and a second goal from João Felix. The team constantly attacked and pressed after losing possession, which totally overpowered Antwerp’s defense and did not allow them to set themselves up.
Matchday 6: Royal Antwerp F.C. 3-2 FC Barcelona
- Date: 13 December 2023
- Venue: Bosuilstadion, Antwerp
FC Barcelona’s Players
Barcelona’s El Clasico against Real Madrid was very much nervesy. The squad rotation that Xavi deployed was cleverly selected as, while Oscar was out injured, he still had enough quality in the midfield to use at backup.
- Goalkeeper – Iñaki Peña
- Defenders – Alejandro Balde, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Hector Fort
- Midfielders– Oriol Romeu, Sergi Roberto, Fermin Lopez
- Forwards – Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres
Piece like new youngsters joining the likes of Lamine Yamal made it backup point in Barcelona’s effort to integrate outwards.
Royal Antwerp F.C. Players
Royal Antwerp has deployed Van Bommel’s target trained formation which he made famous during his time coached Dutch lower tier league.
- Goalkeeper – Jean Butez
- Defenders – Ritchie De Laet, Soumaila Coulibaly, Toby Alderweireld, Owen Wijndal
- Midfielders – Arthur Vermeeren, Mandela Keita, Alhassan Yusuf
- Forwards – Gyrano Kerk, Vincent Janssen, Chidera Ejuke
As expected from this lineup, they will focus heavily on possession pass back football, style that does not utilize Johan Cruyyff’s philosophies.
Match Overview
A very feisty final score in the favour of the Royal Antwerp which ended 3-2 with Royal Antwerp netting the most goals. Barcelona scored via Ferran Torres and Marc Guiu while Arthur Vermeeren and Vincent Janssen goalkeeper scored with George Ilenikhena assisting. Side of Antwerp had scored their effective counter attacks and set piece strategies goals from their bottom right corner.
Tactical Analysis
FC Barcelona
In doing so, they have also avoided the issues related to goal scoring and conceding. In both matches last season, Barcelona had a stern form of control strategy – through ball tactics combined with constant withdrawals to the defense.
Royal Antwerp F.C.
Antwerp relied on careful defending and on counter-attacking Barcelona at the midfield break after Barcelona pushed their full-backs high up the pitch. As a result, Barcelona was never in full control of the match because their defensive midfielders were dispossessed and the strikers were kept incheck. They also became more effective in the offensives Set Pieces after gaining the corners and free kicks.
Conclusion
The matches between FC Barcelona and Royal Antwerp F.C. during the 2023-2024 UEFA Champions League group stages were a testimony to the variation in European football styles. There were some Barcelona matches were extremely possesive yet attacking fluidity since they were very preccumted to Antwerp’s disciplined sponge like formation. These matches showed the need for a strategic variation and uncertainty in the game of soccer if played at the top level.
FAQ’s
Who were the key players for FC Barcelona in the match?
In the first match(5 – 0) João Félix, Gavi and Robert Lewandowski were the key players.
In the seond match(3 – 2)Ferran Torres and Marc Guiu made a significant impact.
Who win the second match FC Barcelona vs Royal Antwerp F.C.?
Royal Antwerp F.C won the second match (3 – 2).
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