Barcelona delivered a resounding performance against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League, securing a comfortable victory that showcased their attacking prowess. Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski continued his remarkable form by edging closer to a historic milestone, reaching 99 career goals in the competition with his two strikes. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s supporting cast also shone, with Inigo Martinez, Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez each finding the net to ensure an emphatic win in Serbia.
The victory over Red Star marked Barcelona’s seventh consecutive win across all competitions, following their dominant 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in their previous European outing. Under Hansi Flick’s guidance, the Catalan side has established an attacking rhythm that few teams can withstand. During this winning streak, Barcelona has scored three or more goals in each game, with the Rajko Mitic Stadium match proving no exception.
“We are doing things very well, and many of them are being seen and reflected in our play,” said Barcelona center-back Inigo Martinez after the game. “But there are certain things that I can tell you, as a defender, we’re suffering in. When the team drops that little bit in focus at the end, I think we can be a great team if we can improve that. For now, we can enjoy this victory.”
The game also saw Frenkie de Jong make his first start since April, fully fit and back in action after a lengthy injury. Flick, however, largely relied on his regular starters. His high defensive line, a tactic that has frustrated the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, was evident once again. Within four minutes, Red Star found the back of the net, but Timi Elsnik’s effort was disallowed for offside after he strayed beyond Barcelona’s last defender.
Barcelona responded swiftly, opening the scoring just 13 minutes in. Martinez expertly headed in Raphinha’s well-delivered free-kick, putting the visitors in the lead. Raphinha was central to Barcelona’s attacks, coming close to scoring the second goal himself. He missed from a tight angle after a brilliant through ball from Lamine Yamal, then hit the post directly from a corner kick.
However, Red Star managed to equalize in the 27th minute, exploiting Barcelona’s high defensive line. Silas beat the offside trap, darting past a hesitant defense before chipping the ball over the onrushing Inaki Pena to level the score. Gerard Martin, who started in place of Alejandro Balde at left-back, was partially at fault, playing the Congolese forward onside in a rare lapse.
Barcelona restored their lead before halftime when Lewandowski capitalized on a rebound. Raphinha’s low shot struck the post, and the Polish striker reacted quickly to slot home the rebound. Shortly into the second half, he extended Barcelona’s lead. After a pinpoint cross from Jules Kounde, Lewandowski was in the right spot to bundle the ball in from close range, marking his 19th goal of the season across 16 appearances and his fifth in four European matches. With this goal, he moved closer to the Champions League’s exclusive 100-goal club, joining an elite group with only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo scoring more.
Raphinha finally got on the scoresheet, striking a low shot from the edge of the box after more stellar play from Kounde. Flick then opted to rest both Raphinha and Pedri, giving his stars some reprieve. The game’s only downside for Barcelona came when Pau Cubarsi, their promising 17-year-old center-back, had to leave the pitch due to a cut below his eye following a high challenge.
Kounde continued his impressive performance by completing a hat-trick of assists, setting up substitute Fermin Lopez for Barcelona’s fifth goal. Kounde’s cutback found Lopez in a perfect position, and he calmly slotted the ball past Red Star’s goalkeeper, Marko Ilic. Red Star’s Milson scored a consolation goal with a well-placed curling shot past Pena, giving the Serbian crowd a moment to celebrate.
Lopez nearly added a sixth for Barcelona, striking the crossbar with a powerful effort in the dying moments. Despite several more attempts, Barcelona finished the game with five goals—marking the fourth time this season they’ve achieved that feat. Their commanding performance against Red Star Belgrade underscores their offensive firepower and growing confidence under Flick, solidifying their status as one of the most formidable teams in the Champions League this season.