FC Barcelona continued their winning streak in the UEFA Champions League, securing a dominant 5-2 victory over Red Star Belgrade at the Rajko Mitic Stadium. This third consecutive triumph was marked by exceptional performances, including a brace from Robert Lewandowski and goals from Íñigo Martínez, Raphinha, and Fermín López, underscoring Barcelona’s offensive prowess and tactical control.
The Catalan side asserted themselves early in the match, taking the lead in the 13th minute. Íñigo Martínez headed in a perfectly placed cross from Raphinha, showcasing Barcelona’s early dominance in possession and their precision in the final third.
However, Red Star Belgrade responded in the 27th minute with an equalizer from Congolese forward Silas, sparking a moment of tension as the hosts showed resilience against the Spanish giants. Yet, Barcelona quickly resumed control. Just before halftime, Lewandowski capitalized on a rebound off the post from another powerful shot by Raphinha, slotting it in to give Barcelona a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
The second half belonged entirely to Barcelona. Lewandowski struck again in the 53rd minute, completing his brace and increasing Barcelona’s lead to 3-1. Red Star struggled to contain the relentless Barcelona attack, and just two minutes later, Raphinha found the back of the net, capitalizing on a defensive lapse and stretching the scoreline to 4-1.
Not content with their lead, Barcelona continued pressing and found a fifth goal in the 76th minute. Fermín López converted a well-timed assist from Jules Koundé, further showcasing the team’s depth and teamwork. Though Red Star managed to add a late goal from Milson in the 84th minute, it was little more than a consolation as Barcelona comfortably held on to their lead.
This commanding victory not only reflects Barcelona’s improving form in Europe but also elevates them to sixth place in the Champions League standings with nine points. Meanwhile, Red Star Belgrade finds themselves languishing near the bottom, with zero points and a challenging path ahead.
Barcelona tactical discipline, offensive creativity, and individual brilliance shone throughout the match. Their ability to dominate possession and exploit Red Star’s defensive weaknesses proved decisive, underscoring the Blaugrana’s renewed focus and ambition in the Champions League. As they look forward to the upcoming fixtures, Barcelona will be keen to maintain this momentum and continue their quest for European glory.
