Surprise win gives Antwerp first points of Champions League campaign

 Surprise win gives Antwerp first points of Champions League campaign

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Royal Antwerp celebrating their win against Barcelona

In a thrilling match on Wednesday, December 13th, Royal Antwerp achieved a historic 3-2 victory over Barcelona in their Champions League Group H clash. This surprising win marked Antwerp's first points in the competition, despite their debut season.

Teenager Arthur Vermeeren put Antwerp ahead early with a goal after just 90 seconds. However, Barcelona equalized just before halftime through Ferran Torres.

The second half saw a surge in Antwerp's energy. Vincent Janssen put them back in the lead early on, and then, in the dying moments of the game, 17-year-old substitute George Ilenikhena sealed the victory for the Belgian club.

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George Ilenikhena celebrating his goal against Barcelona

While the win wasn't enough to advance Antwerp to the next round, it provided a significant morale boost for the team and their supporters. The victory also showcased the talent and potential within the club's youth academy, with two teenagers playing pivotal roles in securing the win.

Key Takeaways:

• Antwerp's surprise win over Barcelona marked their first points in the Champions League.
• Teenagers Arthur Vermeeren and George Ilenikhena scored crucial goals for Antwerp.
• The win highlighted the potential within Antwerp's youth academy.

This result will undoubtedly go down in Antwerp's history books as a landmark victory. It serves as a testament to the club's progress and the dedication of their players and staff.

Additionally, the win provides hope for the future of Belgian football, demonstrating that even smaller clubs can compete against the giants of European football.