Youth League: Barcelona vs Antwerp Match Highlights

Barcelona thrash Antwerp to reach quater-finals

Barcelona’s youngsters continued their impressive run in the UEFA Youth League with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Antwerp on Wednesday.

La Masia graduates put on a dominant display at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, with goals from Lamine Yamal, Angel Alarcon, and Aleix Garrido securing the win. Barca took the lead early in the first half, with Lamine Yamal finishing off a fine team move in the 10th minute. Antwerp equalized just before the break through Noah Badibanga, but Barcelona restored their lead in the second half thanks to Angel Alarcon’s cool finish. Aleix Garrido then made it 3-1 with a stunning strike from outside the box, before substitute Arnau Casas sealed the victory with a fourth goal in stoppage time. The victory means that Barcelona will now face either Real Madrid or Manchester City in the quarter-finals.

Key Moments

* Barcelona took the lead through Lamine Yamal in the 10th minute. * Antwerp equalized through Noah Badibanga just before the break. * Angel Alarcon restored Barcelona’s lead in the second half. * Aleix Garrido made it 3-1 with a stunning strike from outside the box. * Substitute Arnau Casas sealed the victory with a fourth goal in stoppage time.

Player Ratings

* Barcelona: * Lamine Yamal - 8/10 * Angel Alarcon - 7/10 * Aleix Garrido - 8/10 * Arnau Casas - 7/10 * Antwerp: * Noah Badibanga - 7/10 * Lucas De Beule - 6/10 * Jelle Bataille - 6/10

Expert Analysis

“Barcelona were simply too strong for Antwerp tonight. They controlled the game from start to finish and created numerous chances. Antwerp had a few good moments, but they were never really in the game. Barcelona are one of the favorites to win the Youth League this season, and they showed why tonight.”

Reaction

“I’m very happy with the performance of the team tonight,” said Barcelona coach Oscar Garcia. “We played with a lot of intensity and created a lot of chances. We deserved to win the game.” “We’re disappointed with the result, but we can’t take anything away from Barcelona,” said Antwerp coach Dean Klafuric. “They were the better team tonight and they deserved to win.”