Ilenikhena nets winner for Royal Antwerp in stunning win over Barcelona

Nigeria-eligible teenager George Ilenikhena was the match-winner for Royal Antwerp as they claimed a narrow 3-2 win over Barcelona to pick up their first-ever points in the UEFA Champions League.

Royal Antwerp started with two Nigerians in their XI for the visit of Barcelona, with both Chidera Ejuke and Alhassan Yusuf playing from the start of the encounter.

The Belgian champions needed barely two minutes to register their intent at home, with highly-rated 18-year-old midfielder Arthur Vermeeren scoring the game’s opener with a rasping drive into the roof of the net to set the tone.

Barcelona took their time to settle, but found an equaliser ten minutes before half-time through Spanish forward Ferran Torres, who latched onto a pass from Lamine Yamal before finishing deftly.

Antwerp restored their advantage in the 56th minute after great work by Yusuf, who picked the pocket of Oriol Romeu before teeing up Vincent Janssen to score for the Belgian side.

Barcelona found a way to equalise in the 91st minute through 17-year-old striker Marc Guiu, who rose highest to head home a free-kick from Ilkay Gundogan for his second senior goal.

Barely 88 seconds after Barcelona equalised, Antwerp sealed their win in brilliant fashion through 17-year-old striker George Ilenikhena, who was introduced off the bench. The youngster calmly finished one-on-one after a quick counter, helping his side secure the win.

Barcelona progress as group winners while Antwerp crash out of the tournament, but the Belgians have left the stage with a loud ovation.