Honorable ending, but no stunt: Antwerp leaves the Youth League with 0 out of 18 after losing to Barça

The arrival of the Barça stars of the future attracted many people to the Lisp. More than 1,500 tickets had already been sold yesterday. That number clearly increased this morning. The main stand was quite full, with children, scouts, real estate agents, but also some well-known figures. We spotted Jean Kindermans, who will soon exchange the youth work of Anderlecht for that of Antwerp, Pro League CEO Lorin Parys, as well as professional football players and good friends Jordi Vanlerberghe (KV Mechelen), Colin Coosemans (Anderlecht) and Nils Schouterden (Lierse). .

© Joren De Weerdt

8.4 million followers

La Masía, as Barça’s training center is called, produced well-known stars such as Fàbregas, Xavi, Iniesta and of course Messi. It is therefore no coincidence that the Instagram account of the same name has no fewer than 8.4 million followers. To give you an idea, the RAFC Academy has 13,000. The main force of the Belgian national champion 154,000.

On the field, the difference in value between the two youth academies was not noticeable in the early minutes. Antwerp started with courage and opportunities for Horemans and Abdelhamid. Then Barça took over. First, Alba cut through the red-white defense. Devalckeneer then misjudged a free kick from Dani Rodriguez. The ball caprioled into the goal via the goalkeeper’s fists.

© Joren De Weerdt

Balanced second half

After the 0-2, the visitors took their foot off the accelerator. This way, Antwerp was able to put its nose into the window one last time before half time. Vandeplas did not reach a teammate with his sharp cross.

There were few more chances in a balanced second half. Vandeplas threatened with a header and a shot. Each time the linesman’s flag went up.

In the absolute final, Devalckeneer Gistau still liked the 0-3. Postponement of execution, because deep into injury time Juan Hernandez still managed the third Catalan goal. With 15 out of 18, Barça’s talents continue to convert after the New Year. The youngsters from Antwerp ended this unexpected Youth League campaign with 0 out of 18, although they did gain an experience for life.

Goals:

17′ 0-1 Alba, 25′ 0-2 Dani Rodriguez, 90+4′ 0-3 Juan Hernandez

Antwerp played with:

Devalckeneer – Renders (77′ Lievens), Delaporte, Alou Issa, Tuypens – Courtens, Horemans, Verstraeten (83′ Van Helden) – Abdelhamid (60′ Godelaine), Vandeplas, Hamdaoui

© Joren De Weerdt

Niels Devalckeneer: “Very unique experience”

“It has been a very unique experience, we can be proud of what we have shown. Unfortunately, it did not yield any points,” said Niels Devalckeneer after the defeat against Barcelona. The 19-year-old goalkeeper was not completely free with the second Spanish goal, but apart from that he can look back on a strong match and, by extension, campaign in the Youth League. “We knew in advance that it would be quite a challenge, in a group of three very good teams. We have had a lot of learning moments in these six matches, especially when things are not going well. Even in those difficult moments, we have always stayed together as a group and we can look back on that positively.” (dige, dero)

Thomas Wils: “It’s a shame we didn’t get any points”

Despite the defeat against Barcelona and the 0 out of 18, coach Thomas Wils was proud. “I really think it’s a shame for the boys that we couldn’t get a point. They really deserved it: they always kept working hard and never gave up. Regardless of the results, this was an incredible experience for the club and the players. This leaves us wanting more, but we also have to be realistic.” The Youth League was also a step into the unknown for Thomas Wils, the coach of the U18s. “It is an honor for me to be able to do this, partly due to the departure of Gill Swerts (to the national promises, ed.) Of course. I have tried to fill that role as best as possible. In any case, I will be happy to return to work with the U18s. What does the future bring? I’m not concerned with that at all.” (dige, dero)

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