Barcelona continued their Champions League dominance, defeating Crvena Zvezda 5-2 in an action-packed game that highlighted both their explosive offense and a few defensive vulnerabilities. With Lewandowski on the verge of hitting 100 career Champions League goals and Inigo Martinez reflecting on the lessons learned, this match gave Barcelona fans plenty to cheer about—and a few things to ponder.
The Goals and Glory: Barcelona’s Offensive Showcase
Barcelona came into the game hot off a win against Bayern Munich, scoring goals for fun across recent games. Within the first 15 minutes, Inigo Martinez, a surprising MVP, headed in the opener from a brilliantly placed Raphinha free-kick. Martinez’s goal, his first in the Champions League for Barca, seemed to set the pace for another dominant Barca performance. “I’m not used to receiving these awards,” he confessed, quickly adding that it was a team effort that earned them the three points.
However, Barcelona’s defensive high line, orchestrated by Hansi Flick, nearly backfired. Timi Elsnik thought he’d opened the scoring for Crvena Zvezda early on, only to see the goal flagged for offside. But this was a warning for Barca, who were later punished for their defensive lapses.
A Match of Missed Chances and Redemption
Barcelona’s offensive firepower was on full display, with Raphinha nearly adding to the tally after a sensational assist from Lamine Yamal. Instead, Raphinha struck the post and then missed another open chance. Lewandowski, however, was there to pick up the slack, capitalizing on a rebound to put Barca back in the lead right before halftime after a scrappy first half from both teams.
Lewandowski continued his scoring spree in the second half, bundling in his second goal of the night and 99th in the Champions League. Raphinha finally found his mark with a well-placed low shot, while 17-year-old Fermin Lopez capped off the scoring after a clever cutback from Jules Kounde.
Defensive Concerns: Inigo Martinez’s Warning
While Barcelona’s five-goal tally stole the show, there were lingering questions about their defensive setup. Martinez emphasized that while the team’s form is strong, “we tend to relax after scoring,” which led to both of Crvena Zvezda’s goals. First, Silas broke through Barca’s offside trap to score, followed by a curling finish from Milson late in the game.
Despite the defensive lapses, Barcelona walked away with their seventh consecutive victory, and fans hope that these slip-ups will be resolved in time for tougher upcoming matches.
Standout Performances
- Robert Lewandowski: The Polish veteran proved why he’s a goal machine, scoring twice and nearly reaching the century mark in Champions League goals.
- Inigo Martinez: Named MVP for his defensive leadership and opening goal, Martinez’s presence was key to Barca’s backline, even as he emphasized the need for continued improvement.
- Raphinha: His speed and creativity caused problems for Crvena Zvezda’s defense throughout the game, and he finished with a well-deserved goal.
Barcelona’s Winning Formula—and What Needs Work
Coach Hansi Flick has implemented a high-tempo pressing strategy that has turned Barcelona into a scoring powerhouse. However, the defensive high line, a key part of Flick’s game plan, has left the team exposed at times. Crvena Zvezda exploited these weaknesses, a warning that top-tier opponents will seek to capitalize on in the future.
“We need to stop switching off after we score,” Martinez said. Barcelona’s fans would certainly agree, having seen their team leak goals that could have been avoided. Flick, meanwhile, praised the team’s pressing and passing, yet acknowledged that there’s room to improve consistency in defense.
FAQs
Inigo Martinez was named MVP for his defensive performance and crucial opening goal, setting the tone for Barca’s victory.
A combination of aggressive pressing, high-tempo offense, and Lewandowski’s goal-scoring prowess secured the win, though defensive lapses remain a concern.
Barcelona’s next Champions League clash is against Inter Milan, a game where they will need to tighten their defensive setup if they aim to keep their winning streak alive.
Conclusion: Highs, Lows, and Room to Grow
Barcelona’s 5-2 win over Crvena Zvezda was a testament to their offensive brilliance but also a reminder of the defensive gaps that they need to close. Lewandowski’s goals bring him tantalizingly close to the 100-goal milestone, while Inigo Martinez’s leadership showed that Barca’s defense has potential if they can maintain focus.
With each victory, Barca is reminding fans of the classic Barcelona style—attacking brilliance paired with a sometimes worrisome defense. However, under Hansi Flick, they have shown resilience, and as long as they learn from each game, they’re well on their way to dominating both La Liga and the Champions League. Barcelona fans have plenty to celebrate—and perhaps a few nerves to keep in check—as the season unfolds.
