In Group H of the Champions League, leaders Barcelona visit Royal Antwerp’s Bosuilstadion on Wednesday, needing only to avoid defeat to secure a spot in the last 16 as group winners.
Meanwhile, Royal Antwerp, having struggled to secure a point in the tournament so far, play for pride in their final match.
Match Preview
Mark van Bommel’s Royal Antwerp side, despite their domestic successes, has faced a challenging Champions League campaign.
They enter this match after a 1-0 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk and aim to earn their first points in the competition.
While they’ve struggled in Europe, Royal Antwerp has shown strength in their domestic league, recently winning against Cercle Brugge. However, they remain far behind the league leaders, Union SG.
For Antwerp to deny Barcelona the top spot, they would need a historic performance to claim their first-ever Champions League point(s).
Barcelona, on the other hand, secured their place in the knockout rounds with a win against Porto, even after losing to Shakhtar.
Barcelona’s recent domestic performance against Girona ended in a 4-2 defeat, highlighting their need to bounce back. Despite their September 5-0 thrashing of Antwerp, they remain wary of potential surprises in their away fixture.
Team News
Antwerp’s Arbnor Muja is suspended for this match, while Jurgen Ekkelenkamp remains banned. Injuries to several key players, including Anthony Valencia and Jacob Ondrejka, present challenges for Van Bommel’s attacking lineup.
Barcelona’s absentees include Gavi, Inigo Martinez, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Marcos Alonso due to injuries. Xavi might opt for squad rotation with the impending risk of Araujo and Joao Felix facing suspension if carded.
Possible Lineups
Royal Antwerp: (4-2-3-1)
Butez;
De Laet, Alderweireld, Coulibaly, Wijndal;
Yusuf, Vermeeren;
Kerk, Balikwisha, Ejuke;
Janssen
Barcelona: (4-3-3)
Pena;
Cancelo, Kounde, Christensen, Balde;
Lopez, Romeu, Gundogan;
Yamal, Lewandowski, Torres
Prediction: Royal Antwerp 0-3 Barcelona
Despite Antwerp’s spirited domestic form, Barcelona is likely to dominate. The Catalan giants aim to secure a comfortable win, bouncing back from their recent domestic loss and sealing their place as group winners.