Champions League
UEFA Champions League: Barcelona Smashes Red Star Belgrade Into Orbit
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side showcased their attacking qualities with an impressive 5-2 victory over Red Star Belgrade.
This win marks Barcelona’s third triumph in four matches this campaign, further solidifying their position as one of Europe’s elite teams.
Meanwhile, Red Star finds themselves struggling at the bottom of the league phase standings, having suffered four consecutive defeats.
A Fast Start for Barcelona
The match kicked off with Barcelona immediately asserting their dominance. Just 15 minutes into the game, Iñigo Martínez opened the scoring with a well-placed header, courtesy of a pinpoint cross from the in-form Raphinhathe in-form Raphinha.
The Brazilian winger has been a revelation this season, consistently creating opportunities for his teammates.
Despite falling behind, Red Star Belgrade adopted a resilient approach, absorbing pressure while looking for counter-attacking opportunities. Their strategy paid off when Rade Krunić found Silas with a perfectly weighted pass, allowing the 26-year-old to level the score with a powerful finish.
Barcelona’s Quick Response
Just before halftime, Barcelona regained the lead through Robert Lewandowski. A strike from Raphinha hit the post, but luck was on Lewandowski’s side as he was in the right place at the right time to tap the rebound into an empty net.
The second half began with Barcelona continuing their relentless assault. Lewandowski quickly doubled his tally, finishing from close range after a chaotic sequence in the Red Star penalty area. His ability to find space and capitalize on defensive lapses has made him a critical asset for Barcelona, and his performance against Red Star was no exception.
Raphinha Shines
Raphinha’s influence on the match was undeniable. After playing a pivotal role in the first two goals, he finally got on the scoresheet himself, scoring a beautifully placed shot into the bottom corner following a cutback from Jules Koundé.
As the game progressed, Barcelona continued to dominate. Fermín López added the fifth goal 15 minutes from time, with Koundé once again providing the assist. This marked Koundé’s third assist of the night, showing his ability to contribute offensively from the back.
Red Star’s Consolation
Despite the scoreline, Red Star Belgrade managed to find a glimmer of hope in the dying moments of the match. Milson curled in a stunning strike, which, while ultimately inconsequential, served as a reminder of their potential.
Looking Ahead
The final whistle confirmed a 5-2 victory for Barcelona, who displayed their attacking flair and also their resilience in bouncing back from conceding. This match epitomizes the current form of Hansi Flick’s side, who have now recorded multi-goal victories in every match of their seven-game winning streak.
With their sights set firmly on further Champions League success, Barcelona continues to march on as one of Europe’s most formidable teams.
Meanwhile, Red Star Belgrade must regroup and reassess their strategy as they look to salvage their campaign in the remaining fixtures.
