Barcelona claimed their third consecutive Champions League victory with a dominant 5-2 win over Red Star Belgrade.
Despite a strong start from the Serbian hosts, Barcelona’s attacking depth and relentless pace ultimately overwhelmed Red Star, who remain without a point in the competition.
This latest triumph sees Barca climb to sixth in the Champions League standings, while Red Star, still seeking their first win, sits second from the bottom.
First-Half Drama: Goals and Missed Opportunities
Barcelona took control early, and it wasn’t long before they found the back of the net. A free-kick from Raphinha in the 13th minute was expertly met by Inigo Martinez, who fired home a diving header that gave Barca a 1-0 lead.
However, Red Star quickly fought back, taking advantage of Barcelona’s high defensive line. A precise through ball from Rade Krunic allowed Silas to slip behind Barca’s defense, chipping a well-taken equalizer past Inaki Pena to bring the game to 1-1.
Barcelona restored their lead just before halftime as Robert Lewandowski, quick on his feet, capitalized on a deflected shot that hit the post. The veteran striker was in the right place at the right time, scoring from close range to put Barca back on top at 2-1 before the break.
Second-Half Domination: Barcelona Pulls Away
If Red Star had hopes of a comeback, Barcelona quickly dashed them in the second half. In just eight minutes, Barca doubled their advantage.
Lewandowski struck again in the 53rd minute, finding himself unmarked at the far post to convert a cross from Jules Kounde, who was having a stellar night down the right wing.
Just two minutes later, Raphinha, who had been causing problems for Red Star all evening, fired home Barcelona’s fourth goal, thanks to another assist from Kounde.
As the game slowed down, Barcelona remained comfortable in possession, keeping Red Star at bay. Fermin Lopez, brought on as a substitute, added a fifth goal in the 76th minute, sealing the victory and confirming Barca’s supremacy on the night.
Lopez almost had a second goal, hitting the crossbar with a powerful shot and forcing Red Star goalkeeper Marko Ilic into a brilliant save late in the match.
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Red Star’s Late Consolation
Though Red Star struggled to keep up with Barca’s pace, they continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 84th minute. Young-Woo Seol provided an excellent assist to Milson, who curled a stunning shot into the top corner to make it 5-2.
Despite the scoreline, the Red Star players showed resilience, keeping Barca on their toes and taking advantage of every opportunity they could create.
Key Performances: Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Kounde Shine
Barcelona’s win was powered by key performances across the pitch. Lewandowski, who now has four goals in the Champions League this season, continued his scoring streak, proving instrumental in both the build-up and finishing phases.
Raphinha’s pace and creativity gave Barca the cutting edge in the final third, while Jules Kounde played a pivotal role, contributing three assists as he consistently beat Red Star’s defenders to deliver accurate crosses.
Barcelona’s midfield was also crucial to the victory. Frenkie de Jong and Pedri controlled the tempo, while Casado’s passing accuracy helped Barca dominate possession. In fact, Casado attempted over 100 passes in the match, more than any other player on the pitch.
Barcelona’s 5-2 win over Red Star Belgrade is their third consecutive victory in this year’s Champions League campaign, following wins over Young Boys and Bayern Munich.
After a shaky start with a 2-1 loss to Monaco, Barca has found their form and now sits comfortably in sixth place. Their La Liga success has also carried over into European competition, with the team remaining unbeaten in their domestic league.
This current run of form bodes well for Barca, who are set to face Brest next in their Champions League group. They will need to continue their scoring momentum, especially with other European heavyweights closely chasing a place in the knockout stages.
Defensive Concerns for Barcelona
While Barcelona’s attack was undoubtedly dominant, their defense showed moments of vulnerability. Red Star was able to exploit Barca’s high line multiple times, with Silas and Ndiaye coming close to converting opportunities.
The lack of defensive coordination allowed Red Star to take seven shots, and two found the back of the net.
These defensive lapses are a concern for coach Hansi Flick, who will need to address these issues as Barca approaches more challenging fixtures. If Barcelona is to progress deep into the tournament, they must find a balance between their high-pressing style and defensive discipline.
Red Star’s Struggles Continue
For Red Star Belgrade, this match marked their fourth consecutive defeat in the Champions League. They have now conceded 16 goals and scored only four across those games.
Despite their strong start and resilient attitude, they were ultimately unable to match Barcelona’s pace and intensity.
With zero points and only two games left in the group stage, Red Star’s chances of progressing are slim. Their focus may soon shift to domestic success, as they currently lead the Serbian league.
