Barcelona's Champions League hopes on the line in crucial clash with Royal Antwerp
Vermeeren's early strike hands Barcelona lifeline, but Janssen and Ilenikhena goals leave Catalans needing a miracle
Late Ilenikhena strike deals blow to Barcelona's Champions League hopes
Royal Antwerp kept their faint hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stages alive with a stunning 2-1 victory over Barcelona on Wednesday night.
Jurgen Vermeeren fired Barcelona into an early lead, but goals from Vincent Janssen and Calvin Ilenikhena either side of half-time turned the game on its head.
The result leaves Barcelona needing a miracle to qualify for the last 16, while Antwerp now have a chance of reaching the Europa League if they can beat Inter Milan in their final group game.
Barcelona started the game brightly and took the lead after just six minutes when Vermeeren fired home from close range.
However, Antwerp grew into the game and levelled through Janssen in the 27th minute. The Dutch striker was left unmarked at the back post and headed home a cross from Pieter Gerkens.
Antwerp continued to press after the break and were rewarded with a second goal in the 56th minute. Ilenikhena pounced on a loose ball in the Barcelona defence and fired home a low shot into the bottom corner.
Barcelona threw everything forward in the closing stages, but Antwerp held on to secure a famous victory.
The result leaves Barcelona needing to beat Inter Milan in their final group game and hope that Antwerp lose to Viktoria Plzen in order to qualify for the knockout stages.
It is a tall order for Barcelona, but they will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last season's Champions League exit at the group stage.
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