Author: ASUK Admin Page 3 of 6

Arthur Vermeeren, our eighteen-year-old youngster, clinched the “Dominique D’Onofrio” Prize for the top debutant under twenty in the Jupiler Pro League for the 2022-2023 season.

‘Tuurke’s” first-team debut occurred in August 2022 and he contributed significantly to the team winning the Double last year. He continued to shine in Antwerp’s historic qualification for the Champions League. Notably, he captained the team against Porto FC, and in a thrilling final match against FC Barcelona (3-2), he earned the title of Man of the Match.

In addition to his club achievements, Vermeeren received his first national team call-up in October, playing a role in securing European Championship qualification for the Belgian national selection in Germany next year.

His outstanding achievements were reflected in his increased market value, Vermeeren is now the Jupiler Pro League’s MVP, with Transfermarkt.be reporting a value of 30 million euro in their latest update, a rise from €25 million to €30 million.

Van Bommel’s squad aimed to conclude our Champions League journey positively, but little did anyone anticipate the spectacle that unfolded! We caught Barça off guard with a high-tempo, high-quality, and intense approach right from the start. Our 18-year old wonderboy, Arthur Vermeeren, secured a 1-0 lead in under two minutes on the clock! After equalising the game, the second half evolved into a true thriller that went from 2-1 to 2-2 in the 90+1 minute… for Ilenikhena (17-year old!) to pop-up and sealing a historic 3-2 victory in a captivating final phase at minute 90+2! The limelight unquestionably belonged to Royal Antwerp FC. Could anyone have scripted a more fitting exit from the European stage for our Reds?

Yet another standout moment: our Antwerp Supporters! They epitomise Champions League excellence, as also noted by a Spanish newspaper: “The Bosuil Stadium emanates a distinctive old-school English feel and authentic football ambiance.” The extraordinary atmosphere displayed by our Supporters remains mythical. Signed by our legendary legion! 🔴⚪️💪

Today marks the final match of our Reds in the 2023 Champions League group stage, playing Xavi’s Barcelona. While The Great Old faced challenges in the initial match, consecutive strong performances against Shaktar and Porto have elevated the team’s level of play. Coach Mark van Bommel is determined to challenge his good friend Xavi, aiming to replicate our historic first game against Barcelona at the Bosuilstadion: Antwerp emerged victorious with a 2-1 score in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. It’s time to evoke the spirit of 1965! Come on You Reds! 🇵🇪💪

R Antwerp FC – Sporting Charleroi: In the past three league games, ‘The Zebra’s’ have posed a challenge for our lads, leading to three consecutive losses. Recognising the necessity to break this negative streak, our Cup holders are determined to achieve it tomorrow, as it is crucial to advance to the quarter-finals of the 2023/2024 Belgian Croky Cup! Come on you Reds 🇵🇪 🏆

While Real Madrid’s – and English – midfielder Jude Bellingham secured a commanding victory in this year’s esteemed Golden Boy Award, we take immense pride in witnessing our homegrown prodigy, Arthur Vermeeren, stand out at an impressive #14 in this significant youth talent competition. Congratulations, Arthur! Your presence on our team fills us with pride, and we extend our heartfelt wishes for a truly magnificent professional football career ahead!

UEFA CL 🇵🇪 Shaktar Donetsk vs Royal Antwerp FC (17:45 GMT)

As we embark on the fifth chapter of this campaign, a triumph against Shaktar not only propels us forward, but also injects a dose of suspense into the upcoming home face-off against FC Barcelona. The prospect of a potential third position would grant Antwerp FC the opportunity to extend their European adventure after the winter break. We are prepared to wipe that 0 off the table! Come on You Reds! 🇵🇪

Vincent Janssen 4′ + 14′ (P) ; Jurgen Ekkelenkamp 33′ ; Arbnor Muja 41′ ; George Ilenikhena 74′ ; Michel-Ange Balkwisha 86′

Round #4 of the Champions League – Group H. Royal Antwerp FC plays against FC Porto in Portugal at the Estádio Do Dragão. Let’s get our first points at the highest stage! COME ON YOU REDS 🔴⚪️ !!

Tomorrow exactly 36 years ago – 7 November 1987: one of our legendary games: R Antwerp FC – Anderlecht 2-0, at the Bosuilstadion filled with 40,000 (!!) supporters. Francis ‘Cisse’ Severeyns scores a goal that makes him – and his mortal dive – immortal. Inspiration for the boys in Porto? 🇵🇪💪

1st Antwerp FC vs FC Porto – 2nd UEFA Champions League home game – 3rd UCL Group-H match… Come on You Reds! 💪 🇵🇪