Who Is Antwerp? A Look at Barcelona’s Champions League Opponent
Barcelona’s Champions League Opponent: Royal Antwerp Explained
For those unfamiliar with the name, Royal Antwerp is the team that Barcelona will be facing in the Champions League. The Belgian club might not be a household name for many football fans, especially those outside of Belgium and the Netherlands. Here’s a brief introduction to Royal Antwerp and what to know about this relatively lesser-known opponent.
Royal Antwerp: A Snapshot
- Reigning Belgian Champions: Royal Antwerp FC is the reigning champion of the Belgian Pro League. They clinched the title in dramatic fashion last season, securing it with a late equalizer against Genk on the final matchday. This victory marked their first Belgian top-flight championship in over six decades.
- Oldest Football Club in Belgium: Royal Antwerp holds the distinction of being Belgium’s oldest football club. Founded in 1880, the club has a rich history and tradition in Belgian football.
- Coach with Barcelona Connections: The team is currently managed by Mark van Bommel, a former footballer who had a stint at Barcelona during the 2005/06 season. Van Bommel was part of the Barcelona squad that won the UEFA Champions League that year.
- Notable Former Player: One of the most famous players to have come through Antwerp’s ranks is Toby Alderweireld. The Belgian defender has had a successful career, notably playing for clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and representing the Belgian national team.
While Antwerp may not have the international recognition of some other European clubs, their recent success in the Belgian league indicates that they shouldn’t be underestimated. As Barcelona prepares to face this relatively lesser-known opponent in the Champions League, fans can expect an intriguing matchup with the reigning Belgian champions.
