Barcelona delivered a dominant performance against Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday, securing a resounding 5-2 victory in their Champions League clash. This win propels the Catalan giants into the top eight of the competition, currently holding the sixth position which guarantees direct qualification to the knockout stages. The match, played at the Rajko Mitić Stadium, showcased Barcelona’s attacking prowess and their growing confidence in this year’s tournament.
The Blaugrana orchestrated a goal fest, with defender Íñigo Martínez opening the scoring in the 12th minute with a powerful header. While Red Star briefly leveled the score through Silas Katompa in the 26th minute, Barcelona quickly regained control. Robert Lewandowski, in top form, netted a brace (42nd and 52nd minute), followed by Raphinha’s strike in the 54th minute, extending their lead to a comfortable 4-1. Fermín López added the fifth goal in the 75th minute, putting the game beyond reach for the Serbian side. Although Red Star managed a late consolation goal in the 83rd minute, the match firmly belonged to Barcelona.
This victory marks Barcelona’s third consecutive win in the Champions League, giving them nine points out of a possible twelve. Both Raphinha and Lewandowski have now scored five goals in four Champions League matches, placing them among the top scorers in the competition alongside Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP and Harry Kane of Bayern Munich. The team’s performance reflects their growing momentum and aspirations for the European title.
Post-match analysis emphasized the positive trajectory of the team. One commentator mentioned that while the two goals conceded might be a point of concern, the overall performance and the opportunity to rest some key players bodes well for the team’s future. The team’s ability to perform well both offensively and defensively has been highlighted as a crucial factor in their success. Iñigo Martínez, who was awarded the MVP trophy, acknowledged the team’s collective effort, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding complacency. He also pointed out the strategic preparation behind his goal, a testament to the team’s tactical approach.
The match was not without its dramatic moments. Reports indicate a player suffered a facial injury requiring stitches, highlighting the physicality of the game. The Barcelona coach, while pleased with the victory and overall performance, acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining concentration throughout the match, especially in away games. He also praised Red Star’s skill with the ball, suggesting they were a worthy opponent.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans displaying their passion for the game. A pre-match tribute was held to honor the victims of recent flooding in southeastern Spain, adding a somber note to the otherwise celebratory occasion. The victory in Belgrade solidifies Barcelona’s position as a strong contender in the Champions League and sets the stage for an exciting campaign ahead. Their next challenge will be to maintain this momentum and continue their winning streak as the tournament progresses.
