Marc Guiu Scores a Goal, But Barcelona Loses Against Royal Antwerp

Barcelona young player Marc Guiu celebrated the goal he scored in the Champions League match. (fcbarcelona.com)

JAKARTA - Young Barcelona player Marc Guiu stole the attention by scoring a goal. However, Barca had to admit Royal Antwerp's 3-2 advantage in the final Group B match of the Champions League at Bosuil Stadium, Thursday, December 14, WIB.

Guiu and his partner Hector Fort, who have just strengthened the Spanish U-17 national team at the 2023 U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, showed their best abilities.

In that match, Guiu started by sitting on the bench. This 17-year-old player then came on to replace Robert Lewandowski in the second half.

Meanwhile, Fort instead started at right back. Diriya was only withdrawn in the 60th minute to be replaced by Joao Cancelo.

Even though they didn't play the full game, they were able to make an important contribution to Barca.

The appearance of Barca's young players is indeed promising. Moreover, Lamine Yamal also set a record for being the youngest player to provide assists.

He made an assist which was then completed by Ferran Torres to equalize the score in that match. Yamal broke the record of Bojan Krkic, former Barca wonderkid, who did it in November 2007.

However, their brilliant performance still could not bring Barca to victory.

This result does not affect the teams that have already qualified for the last 16. However, coach Xavi Hernandez received criticism because of the two consecutive defeats suffered by Barca.

Previously, Barca lost 4-2 to Girona in the Spanish La Liga competition. Now, the Blaugrana have lost again to Royal Antwerp in the Champions League.

"We were unlucky. After drawing 2-2, we should have achieved better results. But instead we failed. We achieved two negative results. This makes us have to be careful," said Xavi.

"It must be admitted that the opposing team played well and created lots of opportunities. On the other hand, we have to improve ourselves. We have to know when we are not in the best condition," he said again.

Xavi felt there was a need for self-introspection because in that match, Barca conceded in the early minutes. The match had only been running for 90 seconds, goalkeeper Inaki Pena had to collect the ball from the goal after young Antwerp player Arthur Vermeeren managed to score a goal.

The hosts' 1-0 lead did not last long. Barca was able to equalize through Ferran Torres who received an assist from Yamal. The 1-1 score lasted until the first half ended.

Entering the second half, Barca was still unable to show their best performance. Antwerp even took the lead again when Vincent Janssen scored a goal in the 56th minute.

However, once again, Barca was able to equalize. This time, it was Guiu who found the net for the hosts when the match entered injury time. His goal came in the 90+1 minute.

When the match was predicted to be a draw and Guiu had saved Barca from defeat, suddenly Antwerp surprised the opposing team again. Only one minute later, the hosts managed to take the lead when George Ilenikhena found the back of the Barca goal.

Antwerp also closed the match with a 2-1 lead. This was the Belgian club's first and last victory. Antwerp also closed the group stage by occupying the bottom of the standings.

Meanwhile, Barca, who suffered their second defeat, remained group winners after having 18 points.

The same as Porto who won 5-3 over Shakhtar Donetsk, but Barca was superior on goal difference. Porto, who is in second place, accompanies Barca to the last 16.