Barcelona maintained their impressive start to the season under Hansi Flick with a dominant 5-2 victory over Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade.
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The Spanish side now boasts three wins from four in the UEFA Champions League, with an explosive second-half performance.
Barcelona controlled much of the opening 15 minutes, dictating play and eventually finding the breakthrough on 13 minutes. A free-kick from Raphinha was perfectly delivered to the back post, where Inigo Martinez met the ball with a header that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
However, Crvena Zvezda responded quickly, with a well-executed move leading to Mvumpa chipping past Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Peña to level the score at 1-1.
The Catalan giants were back in front before the break, with Lewandowski reacting quickly after Raphinha’s shot hit the post, tapping in the rebound for a 2-1 lead.
Barcelona extended their advantage after the break, with Koundé’s pinpoint cross in the 53rd minute setting up Lewandowski for his second goal. Just two minutes later, another superb Koundé assist allowed Raphinha to finish with precision, making it 4-1.
Barcelona continued to dominate and made it 5-1 through substitute Fermin Lopez, who took advantage of another Koundé delivery. Crvena Zvezda managed a late consolation goal from Milson, but it was too little, too late, as Barcelona cruised to victory.
Crvena Zvezda Player Ratings
- GK – Marko Ilic – 4: Helpless for most of the goals; failed to stop any of the shots.
- RB – Young-Woo Seol – 4: Struggled defensively, despite an assist.
- CB – Nasser Djiga – 4: Couldn’t keep Barcelona’s attack at bay.
- CB – Uros Spajic – 5: Solid first half, but defense collapsed later.
- LB – Milan Rodic – 5: Had some good moments but struggled against Barcelona’s
dynamic attack. - CM – Timi Elsnik – 4: Overrun in midfield, unable to contribute offensively.
- CM – Rade Krunic – 6: Provided a key assist and performed well defensively.
- CM – Guelor Kanga – 5: Had a tough night against Barcelona’s midfielders.
- RW – Silas Katompa Mvumpa – 6: Took his goal well and caused problems for the defense.
- ST – Cherif Ndiaye – 5: Had few chances and wasn’t able to make an impact.
- LW – Maksimovic – 6: Showed flashes of skill and flair, though not consistently.
- SUB – Milson – 6: Scored a late consolation goal.
- SUB – Dalcio Gomes – 6: Provided some energy after coming on.
- SUB – Aleksandar Katai – N/A: Didn’t play enough to be rated.
- SUB – Egor Prusev – N/A: Didn’t play enough to be rated.
Barcelona Player Ratings
- GK – Inaki Pena – 4: No saves made; conceded two goals.
- RB – Jules Kounde – 8.5: Created three assists with precise and dangerous crosses.
- CB – Pau Cubrasi – 6: Solid defensively and helped build attacks.
- CB – Inigo Martinez – 6: Took his header well and contributed with key passes.
- LB – Gerard Martin – 5: Had little involvement going forward and struggled against Mvumpa.
- CM – Marc Casado – 7: Impressive on the ball, providing both creativity and defensive cover.
- CM – Frenkie de Jong – 6: Vital in the build-up play and recovering possession.
- AM – Pedri – 6: Key in the attack, helping with a crucial assist.
- RW – Lamine Yamal – 7: Looked dangerous with his dribbling but didn’t register a goal or assist.
- ST – Robert Lewandowski – 6: Clinical in finishing two chances from close range.
- LW – Raphinha – 8: Played a crucial role in the victory with a goal and assist.
- SUB – Dani Olmo – 5: Not much impact in the latter stages of the match.
- SUB – Fermin Lopez – 6.5: Took his chance well to score Barcelona’s fifth goal.
- SUB – Gavi – 6: Showed creativity after coming on from injury.
- SUB – Sergi Dominguez – 6: Defensively sound, keeping things calm at the back.
- SUB – Pau Victor – 5: Minimal involvement in his brief time on the field.
