Crvena Zvezda 2-5 Barcelona - Raphinha, Jules Kounde and Robert Lewandowski shine as Barca storm past Crvena Zvezda - Eurosport

Barcelona triumphed over Crvena Zvezda with a score of 5-2 in Serbia, with standout performances from Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha for Hansi Flick’s team.

Barcelona aimed to maintain their strong performance under Flick, while the home team needed a victory to have any chance of reaching the playoffs later in the competition.

Barcelona took the lead when defender Inigo Martinez scored with a header from a corner kick. However, Silas managed to evade the offside trap shortly after, equalizing the score in the 27th minute.

Lewandowski capped off a great play to give the visiting team the lead shortly before the end of the first half.

In the latter part of the match, Lewandowski scored again after a clever cross from Jules Kounde. Just two minutes later, Raphinha scored the fourth goal. Substitute Fermin Lopez then added the fifth, finishing off another assist from Kounde. Milson managed to score for Crvena Zvezda with a brilliant curling shot, but it wasn't enough to initiate a comeback.

The Serbian team is still without any points following their heavy loss, while Barcelona has secured nine points and is on track to advance to the next stage.

Lewandowski Is Still Going Strong

A challenging season gave rise to the logical idea that the Polish veteran was experiencing a decline in performance during the 2023/24 season. However, the arrival of Hansi Flick has completely altered that perception.

Lewandowski netted his 18th and 19th goals in the game against Crvena Zvezda, both of which were classic poacher’s strikes. He has now reached a total of 99 goals in the Champions League.

The seasoned striker is obviously taking advantage of a front three that generates opportunities for him to capitalize on and score.

Raphinha Named Player Of The Match

Crvena Zvezda: Marko Ilic scored a 5, Seol received a 5, Djiga was rated a 5, Spajic got a 6, Rodic had a score of 5, Krunic earned a 5, Kanga was given a 6, Elsnik rated a 5, Maksimovic was awarded a 6, Silas stood out with a 7, Nidaye got a 6. Bench players: Dalcio received a 6, Luka Ilic was rated a 6, Katai was substituted at halftime with a score of 46, Milson scored a 7, and Prutsev got a 6.

Barcelona: Pena received a rating of 6, Cubarsi got a 7, Martinez was also rated 7, as was Casado. Kounde stood out with an 8, while Martin, De Jong, and Yamal each scored a 6 or a 7. Raphinha and Lewandowski both impressed with 8s. The substitutes included Gavi with a 6, Fermin at 7, Pau at 6, Olmo also at 6, and Sergi played 64 minutes.

13’ - GOAL! CRVENA ZVEZDA 0-1 BARCELONA - MARTINEZ NETS ONE - The defender finds the net with a header, marking his first European goal of the season. Raphinha delivers an excellent free-kick to the back post, where Martinez connects with a header into the far corner.

27’ - GOAL! CRVENA ZVEZDA 1-1 BARCELONA - SILAS FIND THE NET - We’re tied up now! Silas manages to evade the offside rule, notices Pena is off his line, and cleverly lifts the ball over him with an excellent shot.

43’ - GOAL! CRVENA ZVEZDA 1-2 BARCELONA - LEWANDOWSKI FIND THE NET - A straightforward finish following a brilliant play. Yamal weaves his way into the area and passes to Pedri, who sets up Raphinha just outside the box. His attempt hits the post and bounces to the left, where the Polish forward is quick to slide in and score.

53’ - GOAL! CRVENA ZVEZDA 1-3 BARCELONA - LEWANDOWSKI STRIKES - Pedri spots Kounde open on the right and delivers a precise cross to the far post. The ball ricochets off Lewandowski's thighs, allowing him to push it into the net.

55’ - GOAL! CRVENA ZVEZDA 1-4 BARCELONA - RAPHINHA SCORES - Kounde makes another forward run on the right side, skillfully drawing the ball back to Raphinha at the edge of the penalty area, and he calmly places a low shot into the corner of the net.

76’ - GOAL! CRVENA ZVEZDA 1-5 BARCELONA - FERMIN SCORES - Kounde is pushing forward on the right side, looking for options. He spots Fermin on his left and sets him up perfectly. Fermin takes a shot that deflects off Dalcio and slides past the goalkeeper into the net.

84’ - GOAL! CRVENA ZVEZDA 2-5 BARCELONA - MILSON SCORES - An excellent play by the winger, who beats Kounde, cuts in, and bends the ball into the far corner of the net.

Barcelona has now claimed victory in seven straight games.