Barcelona extended their dominant form in the Champions League with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Crvena Zvezda in Serbia. Led by the attacking prowess of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Jules Kounde, the Catalan giants showcased a masterclass in offensive football, advancing closer to the play-offs with three more points on the board. This latest triumph under manager Hansi Flick highlights the club’s transformation this season, with the team demonstrating resilience, control, and precision on the field.
The Serbian side, Crvena Zvezda, was desperate for a win to keep their slim hopes of making the play-offs alive. However, despite a spirited effort, they were outplayed by a well-drilled Barcelona squad that looked determined from the first whistle to the last. The win leaves Barcelona comfortably on nine points, positioning them strongly in their Champions League group.
Early Action and Dominant Opening by Barcelona
Barcelona wasted no time asserting their dominance. Defender Inigo Martinez set the tone by heading in a powerful goal from a corner kick early in the game, putting Barcelona on the scoreboard. Crvena Zvezda, however, responded quickly, capitalizing on a well-timed run by Silas, who broke through Barcelona’s defensive line to beat the offside trap and equalize at the 27-minute mark. For a moment, it looked like the Serbian club might put up a real challenge.
But just before the halftime whistle, Barcelona’s relentless attack paid off again. A meticulously orchestrated move saw Robert Lewandowski find the back of the net, restoring Barcelona’s lead. Lewandowski’s goal underscored his clinical finishing abilities, and it seemed that Hansi Flick’s offensive strategies were paying off in spades. The first half ended with Barcelona leading 2-1, setting the stage for a powerful second-half performance.
Barcelona’s Second-Half Surge: Kounde, Raphinha, and Lewandowski Dominate
After the break, Barcelona ramped up the intensity, leaving Crvena Zvezda struggling to keep up. Within minutes, Lewandowski struck again, completing his brace following a skillful cross from Jules Kounde. Lewandowski’s sharp positioning and finishing brought his tally to 19 goals this season and an impressive 99 career goals in the Champions League.
Just two minutes later, Raphinha joined the goal parade, slotting home a swift strike that further widened Barcelona’s lead. The Brazilian forward was in exceptional form, seamlessly transitioning from build-up play to threatening positions in front of goal. Raphinha’s all-around contributions marked him as one of the standout players of the match, as his work rate and technical skill were essential to Barcelona’s fluidity in attack.
Not to be outdone, substitute Fermin Lopez entered the fray and added to Barcelona’s tally, connecting on a second assist from Kounde to score the team’s fifth goal. Kounde’s dual assists illustrated his versatility, demonstrating not only his defensive capabilities but also his ability to make an impact offensively. Barcelona was now comfortably ahead, with Crvena Zvezda unable to mount a substantial counterattack.
Crvena Zvezda’s Late Effort Falls Short
Despite the mounting scoreline, Crvena Zvezda managed to pull one back in the closing minutes. Milson delivered a fine curling shot that evaded Barcelona’s goalkeeper, Pena, to add a second goal for the home team. While it was a well-executed strike, it did little to alter the outcome, as Barcelona’s lead was unassailable by that point. With this defeat, Crvena Zvezda remains winless in the tournament and their play-off hopes are all but extinguished.
Lewandowski Shines Amid a Stellar Season Rebound
This match further highlighted Lewandowski’s remarkable return to form. The Polish striker had faced criticism earlier in the season, with some speculating that age was beginning to take its toll on his performances. However, since Hansi Flick took over, Lewandowski has found a new lease on life, thriving in a more aggressive, chance-generating system. His two goals against Crvena Zvezda bring him within one goal of an impressive 100 in the Champions League, affirming his place as one of the competition’s all-time greats.
Flick’s tactical adjustments have not only reignited Lewandowski’s career but have also created a balanced offensive unit that provides the striker with ample opportunities to capitalize on goal-scoring chances. Lewandowski now appears to be enjoying his football once again, and his rejuvenation is evident in the way he moves and scores.
Raphinha: The Game Changer
Although Lewandowski’s goals and Kounde’s assists were crucial, Raphinha’s impact on the match cannot be understated. The Brazilian forward was a creative force, excelling both in the buildup and in front of goal. His ability to control the ball under pressure, combined with his instinct to make incisive runs, created constant challenges for Crvena Zvezda’s defense. It was this combination of skill, agility, and decision-making that earned Raphinha the title of Player of the Match.
Raphinha’s rise in form has also been one of the significant highlights of Barcelona’s season under Flick. Alongside players like Kounde and Lewandowski, he has become a vital cog in Flick’s system, where his versatility allows him to shift from creating chances to finishing them when needed.
Player Ratings
For Crvena Zvezda, it was a disappointing evening overall, as the team struggled to keep up with Barcelona’s relentless attack. The Serbian side’s player ratings reflect their difficult outing: Marko Ilic (5), Seol (5), Djiga (5), Spajic (6), Rodic (5), Krunic (5), Kanga (6), Elsnik (5), Maksimovic (6), Silas (7), and Ndiaye (6). The substitutes offered limited impact: Dalcio (6), Luka Ilic (6), Katai (6), Milson (7), and Prutsev (6).
Barcelona, on the other hand, saw solid performances across the board: Pena (6), Cubarsi (7), Martinez (7), Casado (7), Kounde (8), Martin (6), De Jong (6), Pedri (7), Raphinha (8), Yamal (7), and Lewandowski (8). Substitutes Gavi (6), Fermin (7), Pau (6), Olmo (6), and Sergi (6) maintained the team’s high standards.
The Path Ahead
With nine points now secured, Barcelona is in an excellent position to advance to the next round of the Champions League. Flick’s side has showcased consistency, resilience, and offensive flair, indicating they may well be contenders in this year’s tournament. The momentum they’ve built through performances like this one will be crucial as they face tougher challenges ahead.
For Crvena Zvezda, the road to the play-offs is now nearly impossible. Their struggles reflect the difficulties of competing against top-tier European teams and highlight areas for improvement in the coming seasons. Despite their determination, Crvena Zvezda will need to regroup and evaluate their strategies moving forward.
Barcelona’s win over Crvena Zvezda serves as a testament to their skill, tactical depth, and renewed vigor under Hansi Flick. As Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Kounde continue to excel, Barcelona’s fans can look forward to a promising campaign in Europe.
