We’re getting down to the nitty gritty in the UEFA Champions League as we approach the final matchday for this year’s competition. All 32 clubs involved know what is at stake over the course of the next 90 minutes, with some being in control of their own destiny and others needing a favour. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what should be a fun clash between Royal Antwerp and Barcelona.
Antwerp Form GuideIt hasn’t exactly been a triumphant return to Champions League football for Royal Antwerp but in many ways, their priority was just getting back to the big dance. The fact that they were able to make it to the group stage is a testament to how much progress they’ve been making, and as we look ahead to their future, it certainly seems as if the pieces are falling into place.
A 5-0 loss to Barcelona in their opening game really set the tone for Antwerp in this group. From there, they were beaten 3-2 by Shakhtar, before being humbled in a 4-1 loss to Porto. They proceeded to drop two more defeats, 2-0 to Porto and 1-0 to Shakhtar on the road.
Barcelona Form GuideBarcelona’s recent history has been turbulent, to say the least, with troubles off the pitch often serving as a dark cloud hanging over what they’ve been able to achieve on it. The Spanish giants are still a force of nature, though, and with the squad they have at their disposal, they’re definitely going to be a team to watch as dark horses in the grand scheme of things.
Barca kicked things off with a nice 5-0 win over Antwerp and from there, they didn’t look back. They defeated Porto 1-0 and Shakhtar 2-1, and while they did drop a surprising 1-0 loss to Shakhtar in the rematch, they rebounded with a 2-1 comeback win over Porto.
Match PredictionAntwerp are going to put their best foot forward in what is easily their biggest game of the season when it comes to star power. They have to push the pace if they want any chance of springing an upset against the Spaniards, but in our view, the easy money is on a Barcelona win.
