FC Barcelona showcased an impressive performance in their UEFA Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade, securing a commanding 5-2 victory at the Stadion Rajko Mitić in Serbia. The match highlighted the attacking prowess of Barcelona, particularly featuring Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who scored twice, alongside goals from Raphinha, Lopez, and Martinez. The standout player for the evening was undoubtedly Lewandowski, whose contributions were pivotal in cementing Barcelona’s dominance in the match.
The scoring began in the 13th minute when Martinez, benefiting from a well-executed free kick by Raphinha, took advantage of being unmarked to net the opening goal with a powerful header. This early strike set the tone for Barcelona’s aggressive play. However, Red Star Belgrade responded and equalized in the 27th minute through Silas, who lobbed the ball delicately over the Barcelona goalkeeper, Peña, demonstrating the home team’s resilience. Their goal injected some excitement into the contest and briefly shifted momentum.
As the first half drew to a close, Barcelona sought to regain their lead, which they accomplished just before the halftime whistle. Pedri played a clever assist to Raphinha, whose attempt hit the post, but Lewandowski was on hand to tap in the rebound, making the score 2-1. This goal highlighted not only Lewandowski’s positioning but also Barcelona’s ability to create scoring opportunities, further emphasizing their offensive capabilities.
The second half saw Lewandowski extend Barcelona’s lead in the 53rd minute. A cross from Jules Kounde deflected onto the striker’s leg, pushing the score to 3-1 and showcasing Barcelona’s continued pressure. Just two minutes later, Raphinha finally got on the scoresheet himself, demonstrating his skill by connecting with another precise pass from Kounde, who was having an exceptional game. This also marked Raphinha’s first goal of the match, contributing to the team’s growing advantage.
In the 76th minute, the scoring was capped off with Lopez’s goal, which showcased Barcelona’s fluid attacking play. After receiving a cutback from Kounde, Lopez skillfully placed the ball into the bottom-left corner, bringing the score to an impressive 5-1. Kounde’s contributions were significant, earning him a remarkable hat-trick of assists. The match seemed to be comfortably in Barcelona’s control, reflecting their strong team dynamics and tactics.
Despite the dominant display from Barcelona, Red Star Belgrade managed to earn a consolation goal in the 84th minute when Wilson capitalized on a defensive error from the visitors. With a well-timed pass from Seol, Wilson struck a curling shot into the bottom-right corner, showcasing his skill and bringing the final score to 5-2. The match concluded with Barcelona firmly in command, marking a significant achievement in their campaign while also highlighting areas for improvement in their defensive setup. Overall, the match illustrated Barcelona’s offensive strength and set a positive tone for their upcoming fixtures in Europe.
