The UEFA Champions League continues to deliver exhilarating football action, and the latest clash between Barcelona vs Crvena Zvezda on November 6, 2024, was no exception. Hosted at the historic Stadion Rajko Mitić in Belgrade, Serbia, this Group Stage Round 4 encounter showcased a spectacular display of skill, strategy, and sheer determination from both sides. In the end, Barcelona emerged triumphant with a 5-2 victory over Crvena Zvezda, reinforcing their status as European football giants and securing a pivotal position in the tournament standings.
Match Details
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Competition: 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, Group Stage, Matchday 4
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Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
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Time:
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9:00 PM CET (Central European Time) / Washington Time (9 PM)
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8:00 PM GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) / UK Time
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3:00 PM ET (Eastern Time) / US Time
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Noon PT (Pacific Time) / US Time
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1:30 AM IST (Indian Standard Time) (Thursday)
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Venue: Stadion Rajko Mitić, Belgrade, Serbia
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Referee: Espen Eskås (Norway)
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VAR: Marco Di Bello (Italy)
Team Lineups
Barcelona Starting XI (4-3-3)
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Goalkeeper: Peña
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Defenders: Koundé, Kubasi, Martínez, Martín
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Midfielders: Casado, De Jong, Pedri
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Forwards: Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Substitutes: Szczesny (GK), Astralaga (GK), Domingues, Fort, Balde, Gavi, Fermín, Torre, Olmo, Fati, Victor
Crvena Zvezda Starting XI (4-3-3)
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Goalkeeper: Ilić
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Defenders: Eraković, Spajić, Gajić, Rodić
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Midfielders: Kanga, Elsnik, Kranjčar
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Forwards: Silas, Ndiaye, Maksimović
Substitutes: Draškić (GK), Guta (GK), Kataji, Gomez, Leković, Milson, Ilić, Drkuljic, Prucevic
Pre-Match Build-Up
The anticipation surrounding the Barcelona vs. Crvena Zvezda clash was palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting a showdown between the Catalan giants and the Serbian stalwarts. Barcelona, boasting a lineup rich with talent and experience, was keen to assert its dominance in the UEFA Champions League. On the other hand, Crvena Zvezda aimed to leverage its home advantage, determined to challenge one of Europe’s elite teams.
First Half: A Back-and-Forth Battle
The whistle blew, and the match kicked off under the bright lights of Stadion Rajko Mitić. Barcelona wasted no time in asserting their presence, with their midfield maestro Pedri orchestrating play from the center of the park. However, Crvena Zvezda showed resilience, with Silas making early runs down the flank.
Early Goals and Momentum Shifts
In the 13th minute, Barcelona struck first. A beautifully executed set-piece saw Iñigo Martínez rise above the defenders to nod the ball into the net, courtesy of a precise delivery from Raphinha. This goal set the tone, signaling Barcelona‘s intent to control the game’s tempo.
But Crvena Zvezda was not to be outdone. Just 14 minutes later, Silas responded with a stunning strike from outside the box, leveling the score at 1-1. The Serbian fans erupted in celebration, believing their team could turn the tide against the formidable Barcelona side.
As the first half progressed, both teams exchanged chances, but it was Barcelona who managed to regain the lead. In the 27th minute, Robert Lewandowski, the prolific Polish striker, capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past Ilić, restoring Barcelona‘s advantage.
Halftime: A Tense Break
The first half ended with Barcelona leading Crvena Zvezda 2-1. Both teams had showcased moments of brilliance, but Barcelona‘s superior possession and control over the game’s flow were evident. The halftime break provided an opportunity for Crvena Zvezda to regroup and strategize on how to contain Barcelona‘s attacking threats.
Second Half: Barcelona Takes Control
The second half commenced with renewed vigor from both sides. Barcelona, buoyed by their first-half performance, looked to extend their lead, while Crvena Zvezda aimed to find an equalizer and potentially seize control.
Lewandowski’s Dominance
Within minutes of the restart, Lewandowski struck again. In the 43rd minute, Raphinha delivered another precise pass into the box, and Lewandowski was quick to respond, firing the ball into the net to make it 3-1. This goal underscored Lewandowski‘s impeccable positioning and finishing prowess, further demoralizing Crvena Zvezda.
The Serbian side tried to mount a comeback, but Barcelona‘s defense, led by the ever-reliable Koundé, stood firm. In the 55th minute, Raphinha added his name to the scoresheet, showcasing his flair and technical ability. His goal was a testament to Barcelona‘s attacking depth, as he dribbled past defenders before curling the ball into the far corner.
Koundé’s Stellar Performance
Jules Koundé was the standout performer for Barcelona. Throughout the match, his relentless energy and precise deliveries from the right flank created numerous scoring opportunities. In the 78th minute, Koundé achieved a hat-trick of assists, setting up Fermín López for the final goal of the night. This assist not only highlighted Koundé‘s vision and creativity but also solidified Barcelona‘s dominance in the match.
Crvena Zvezda’s Late Rally
Despite the mounting deficit, Crvena Zvezda refused to give up. In the 84th minute, substitute Milson made an impact with a powerful long-range strike, reducing the score to 4-2. This goal injected a surge of hope and excitement among the home fans, showcasing Crvena Zvezda‘s fighting spirit and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
Final Minutes and Conclusion
As the match approached its conclusion, Barcelona continued to press forward, ensuring that Crvena Zvezda had little room to breathe. In the dying moments of stoppage time, Fermín López sealed the deal with a clinical finish, bringing the final score to 5-2. This decisive victory not only underscored Barcelona‘s offensive prowess but also highlighted their strategic mastery over the game.
Barcelona vs Crvena Zvezda Statistics
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Final Score: Crvena Zvezda 2 – 5 Barcelona
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Goal Scorers:
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Crvena Zvezda:
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Silas (27′)
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Milson (84′)
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Barcelona:
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Iñigo Martínez (13′)
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Robert Lewandowski (43′, 53′)
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Raphinha (55′)
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Fermín López (78′)
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Team Stats:
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Shots: Crvena Zvezda 4 – 21 Barcelona
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Shots on Target: Crvena Zvezda 2 – 9 Barcelona
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Possession: Crvena Zvezda 30% – 70% Barcelona
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Passes: Crvena Zvezda 280 – 669 Barcelona
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Pass Accuracy: Crvena Zvezda 74% – 89% Barcelona
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Fouls: Crvena Zvezda 4 – 12 Barcelona
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Yellow Cards: Crvena Zvezda 2 – 0 Barcelona
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Red Cards: Crvena Zvezda 0 – 0 Barcelona
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Offsides: Crvena Zvezda 0 – 0 Barcelona
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Corners: Crvena Zvezda 1 – 7 Barcelona
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In-Depth Analysis
Barcelona’s Tactical Dominance
The Barcelona vs Crvena Zvezda match was a showcase of Barcelona‘s tactical superiority. With 70% possession and a staggering 669 passes, Barcelona dominated the game’s rhythm, dictating play and controlling the midfield. Their ability to maintain high possession allowed them to create numerous scoring opportunities, as evidenced by their 21 shots compared to Crvena Zvezda‘s 4.
Barcelona‘s formation and player roles were pivotal in their success. The 4-3-3 setup provided a balanced approach, with Koundé and Martínez ensuring solidity at the back while Pedri orchestrated play from midfield. The fluidity between the midfielders and forwards created a relentless attacking threat that Crvena Zvezda struggled to contain.
Lewandowski’s Impact
Robert Lewandowski continued to cement his legacy in the UEFA Champions League with his two goals in this match. His positioning, timing, and finishing ability were on full display, making him a constant menace to the Crvena Zvezda defense. Now just one goal away from becoming the third player to reach 100 Champions League goals, Lewandowski‘s performance was a testament to his enduring quality and importance to Barcelona.
Jules Koundé’s Masterclass
Defenders rarely steal the spotlight in attacking football, but Jules Koundé defied expectations with his exceptional performance. Recording three assists, Koundé showcased his ability to contribute offensively, providing precise crosses and intelligent passes that unlocked Crvena Zvezda‘s defense multiple times. His versatility and vision made him a standout player, highlighting the modern defender’s role in both defense and attack.
Crvena Zvezda’s Resilience
While Crvena Zvezda ultimately succumbed to Barcelona‘s dominance, their performance had its moments. Scoring two goals against a formidable opponent demonstrated their potential and resilience. Silas‘s early strike set the tone, and Milson‘s late goal exemplified their ability to capitalize on opportunities. However, the disparity in possession and shots highlighted the challenges Crvena Zvezda faced against a team of Barcelona‘s caliber.
Player Performances
Barcelona
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Robert Lewandowski: 2 Goals
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Lewandowski’s clinical finishing was instrumental in Barcelona‘s victory. His ability to find space and capitalize on chances made him the top scorer of the night.
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Jules Koundé: 3 Assists
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Koundé’s contribution from the right flank was pivotal. His precise crosses and intelligent playmaking were crucial in creating Barcelona‘s goals.
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Raphinha: 1 Goal
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Raphinha’s creativity and technical prowess were evident in his goal, adding another layer to Barcelona‘s attacking options.
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Fermín López: 1 Goal
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López’s late goal sealed the deal for Barcelona, showcasing his composure and finishing ability under pressure.
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Crvena Zvezda
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Silas: 1 Goal
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Silas’s powerful strike was a highlight for Crvena Zvezda, demonstrating his ability to score from a distance.
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Milson: 1 Goal
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Milson’s late goal provided a glimmer of hope for Crvena Zvezda, highlighting their persistence and attacking intent.
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Significance of the Victory
This 5-2 victory marks Barcelona‘s third consecutive UEFA Champions League match with four or more goals scored, a feat they haven’t achieved in over six decades. This offensive prowess has propelled them into the top eight of the Champions League standings, positioning them favorably as the tournament progresses towards the knockout stages.
Looking Ahead
With this decisive win, Barcelona can shift their focus to their next domestic fixture against Real Sociedad on Sunday night (9:00 PM CET), aiming to maintain their momentum in La Liga. Meanwhile, their next UEFA Champions League match is scheduled for November 26 at home against Brest, where they will look to continue their impressive run and solidify their position in the tournament.
For Crvena Zvezda, the loss serves as a learning experience. Their ability to score against a top-tier team like Barcelona is promising, and with further tactical adjustments and player development, they can enhance their competitiveness in future UEFA Champions League fixtures.
Fan Reactions and Highlights
The Barcelona vs Crvena Zvezda match was a rollercoaster for fans, with early excitement, moments of tension, and exhilarating goals. Social media buzzed with highlights of Lewandowski‘s goals and Koundé‘s assists, while Crvena Zvezda‘s fans remained hopeful despite the odds.
Statistical Breakdown
Analyzing the match statistics provides deeper insights into how Barcelona managed to secure such a convincing victory:
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Possession and Passing: With 70% possession and 669 passes, Barcelona dominated the midfield, controlling the game’s flow and dictating play. This high level of ball retention limited Crvena Zvezda‘s opportunities to create their chances.
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Shots and Accuracy: Barcelona‘s 21 shots, of which 9 were on target, showcased their attacking intent and precision. In contrast, Crvena Zvezda managed only 4 shots, with 2 on target, highlighting the disparity in offensive capabilities.
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Defensive Discipline: Despite committing 12 fouls, Barcelona maintained composure, with no red cards altering the match’s dynamic. Crvena Zvezda‘s 2 yellow cards underscored their aggressive attempts to disrupt Barcelona‘s play.
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Set Pieces and Corners: With 7 corners, Barcelona had more opportunities from set pieces, contributing to their goal tally. Crvena Zvezda‘s single corner reflects their limited attacking set-piece opportunities.
Managerial Strategies
Barcelona‘s manager employed a tactical approach that maximized his team’s strengths while exploiting Crvena Zvezda‘s weaknesses. The 4-3-3 formation allowed for fluid transitions between defense and attack, with Koundé and Martínez providing stability at the back and Pedri linking the midfield to the forwards seamlessly.
On the other hand, Crvena Zvezda‘s manager faced the challenge of containing Barcelona‘s high-pressing game. While the team showed resilience, their inability to sustain pressure in the latter stages of the match highlighted areas for improvement in defensive organization and counter-attacking efficiency.
Impact on Group Stage Standings
This victory significantly impacts the group stage standings, propelling Barcelona into a favorable position. With three consecutive high-scoring games, Barcelona not only enhances their goal difference but also secures crucial points that could be decisive in advancing to the knockout stages.
Crvena Zvezda, despite the loss, remains in contention but will need to secure strong performances in their upcoming matches to compensate for the deficit.
Historical Context
Barcelona‘s performance in this match harks back to their illustrious European history, reminiscent of the high-scoring encounters that have defined their legacy in the UEFA Champions League. Achieving four or more goals in three consecutive matches for the first time in over 60 years underscores their offensive evolution and strategic brilliance.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember for Barcelona Fans
The Barcelona vs Crvena Zvezda match was a testament to Barcelona‘s enduring quality and ambition in the UEFA Champions League. With a comprehensive 5-2 victory, Barcelona not only showcased their attacking prowess but also demonstrated strategic mastery, ensuring their place among Europe’s elite.
For Crvena Zvezda, the match offered valuable lessons and highlighted areas for growth. While the result was disappointing, the resilience and moments of brilliance exhibited by the Serbian side provide a foundation to build upon in future fixtures.
As the UEFA Champions League progresses, Barcelona remains a formidable force, eager to reclaim European glory and solidify their standing in the tournament. Fans and pundits alike will be keenly watching their journey, anticipating more memorable performances and historic achievements.
Next Fixtures
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Barcelona‘s next UEFA Champions League match is scheduled for November 26 at home against Brest, where they aim to continue their impressive run.
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Domestically, Barcelona will face Real Sociedad on Sunday night (9:00 PM CET) in La Liga, seeking to maintain their position at the top of the table.
Final Thoughts
The UEFA Champions League remains the pinnacle of club football, and the Barcelona vs Crvena Zvezda match epitomized the excitement and unpredictability that make the tournament so beloved. With Barcelona displaying exceptional talent and tactical acumen, they are well-positioned to make a deep run in the competition, thrilling fans and aspiring to add another illustrious chapter to their European saga.
As the group stages continue, each match brings new challenges and opportunities. Barcelona‘s commanding performance against Crvena Zvezda sets a high standard, inspiring confidence and determination within the squad. For Crvena Zvezda, the journey is far from over, and their ability to bounce back will be crucial as they navigate the competitive landscape of the UEFA Champions League.
In the ever-evolving world of football, matches like Barcelona vs Crvena Zvezda serve as reminders of the sport’s beauty, where strategy, skill, and passion converge to create unforgettable moments. As Barcelona marches on in the UEFA Champions League, fans eagerly await the next chapter in their quest for European supremacy.
