[MATCH REPORT/HIGHLIGHT] UEFA Champion League: FK Crvena Zvezda2-5 Barcelona

 Barcelona Blitz Crvena Zvezda 5-2: Lewandowski, Koundé, and Raphinha Star in Dominant Victory...

• Barcelona’s 5-2 victory showcased their explosive attacking power, with Robert Lewandowski scoring a brace, Raphinha contributing a goal and two assists, and Jules Kounde registering a remarkable three assists. The Catalan side’s ability to score four or more goals in three consecutive Champions League matches underscores their offensive dominance, a feat not achieved by the club in over 60 years. Their attacking fluidity, especially through Kounde’s overlapping runs and precise crosses, was key to dismantling Crvena Zvezda.
• With two goals in this match, Robert Lewandowski has now scored 99 Champions League goals, moving closer to the elite club of players with 100 goals in the competition. His poacher’s instinct and ability to capitalize on rebounds and crosses continue to make him one of Europe’s deadliest forwards, and he is now just one goal away from reaching a historic milestone.
• While Crvena Zvezda fought back briefly, equalizing once and scoring a stunning late goal through Felicio Milson, their defensive lapses and inability to contain Barcelona's potent attack ultimately cost them the match. Despite their spirited efforts, the Serbian side remains pointless in the group stage and will need to improve defensively and in attack if they are to salvage their hopes of advancing in the competition.

 

Barcelona triumphed 5-2 over Crvena Zvezda on Wednesday evening in a dominant Champions League performance that saw them continue their excellent form under coach Hansi Flick. The victory not only secured three valuable points but also marked the Catalan giants' third consecutive game in which they scored four or more goals—a feat they hadn’t achieved in over 60 years.

With standout performances from Robert Lewandowski (2 goals), Jules Kounde (3 assists), and Raphinha (1 goal, 2 assists), Barcelona marched into the top eight of the Champions League table at the halfway stage of the group phase. Although Crvena Zvezda fought back briefly after equalizing, Barcelona's attacking firepower proved too much to handle.

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Early Drama: Barcelona Strike First, Crvena Zvezda Respond

Barcelona took the lead in the 12th minute thanks to a well-executed free-kick from Raphinha, which found Iñigo Martínez in space. The Spanish defender made no mistake with his header, giving Barça an early 1-0 advantage. However, Crvena Zvezda responded quickly. In the 27th minute, Silas broke the offside trap and coolly slotted the ball past Barcelona goalkeeper Iñaki Peña, bringing the hosts level at 1-1 and reigniting the crowd at the Rajko Mitić Stadium.

Despite the setback, Barcelona didn’t let the goal disrupt their rhythm. They regained the lead just before halftime when Lewandowski capitalized on a rebound. After Raphinha’s long-range strike hit the post, the Polish striker was in the right place at the right time to tap in the loose ball and make it 2-1.

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Lewandowski at the Double: Barcelona Pull Away

The second half saw Barcelona take complete control. In the 56th minute, Jules Kounde delivered a precise cross that Lewandowski converted with ease, scoring his second of the night and extending the lead to 3-1. Just two minutes later, Kounde turned provider once again, sending a ball into the path of Raphinha, who unleashed a brilliant shot from the edge of the box to make it 4-1. It was a goal of the highest quality, showcasing the Brazilian winger’s clinical finishing.

As if that wasn’t enough, Kounde completed his hat-trick of assists in the 63rd minute. His cross found Fermín López, who finished with composure to put the match beyond Crvena Zvezda at 5-1.

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Late Consolation for Crvena Zvezda: Milson's Stunning Strike

Although Barcelona had already sealed the win, Crvena Zvezda had the final say in the match. Felicio Milson scored a stunning curling effort in the 77th minute to reduce the deficit to 5-2. It was a fine goal, but by that point, the result had already been decided, and Barcelona remained firmly in control throughout.

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Player of the Match: Raphinha's All-Round Brilliance

While there were several standout performances, Raphinha was the clear standout player of the match. The Brazilian winger not only scored a spectacular goal but also contributed two assists. His involvement in the build-up play and ability to finish with precision were key in Barcelona’s emphatic win.

Kounde was also instrumental in attack, registering a hat-trick of assists, while Lewandowski added two poacher’s goals, bringing his total to 99 Champions League goals—just one short of becoming the third player in history to reach the milestone.

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 Barcelona's Efficient Attack Continues to Impress

This victory further solidified Barcelona’s attacking prowess under Hansi Flick. With Lewandowski benefiting from an attack-minded trio and Kounde providing plenty of offensive support from the right, Barcelona’s attacking threat looks stronger than ever. After scoring four goals in each of their last three Champions League matches, Barcelona's confidence is growing as they move into the latter half of the group stage with a strong chance of progressing to the knockout rounds.

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Next Up for Barcelona

With the 5-2 victory, Barcelona move to 9 points in the group, firmly in contention to advance to the next stage. Their next challenge will be a crucial home match as they continue their quest for Champions League glory. Meanwhile, Crvena Zvezda remains pointless and will have to regroup as they fight for survival in the competition.