Crvena zvezda 2-5 Barcelona: summary, score, goals, highlights Champions League
Crvena zvezda - Barcelona: As it happened.
Lewandowski brace helps Barcelona to five-goal win.
The veteran striker has been back to his best this season and now has 19 goals from just 16 games for Barcelona. Hansi Flick's side were forced to negotiate a brief wobble towards the end of the first half when Crvena drew level but their superior quality saw them ease past the Serbian champions.
UCL 100 club beckons for Robert Lewandowski.
With a brace against Crvena zvezda, Robert Lewandowski moves within one goal of the exclusive Champions League 100 club. Current members: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Full time: Crvena zvezda 2-5 Barcelona.
It's all over at Stadion Rajko Mitic, where a second half blitz from Barcelona gives Hansi Flick's side a seventh consecutive victory in all competitions.
After that loss to Monaco in their opening game, many wondered if Barcelona's wait for UCL glory was destined to stretch into a tenth year.
But the last few games - combined with impressive domestic form - has made clear that Barca are genuine contenders once again.
Barcelona are continuing to attack with real purpose as we approach the full-time whistle. Hansi Flick's side look like a very intimidating prospect at the moment.
We're going to have six minutes of stoppage time.
Fermin Lopez squanders a late chance to make it six for Barcelona, striking the ball straight at Ilic when presented with a one-on-one with the Crvena goalkeeper.
Even as their team slips to a fourth defeat from four in the Champions League, the home crowd is still in good voice.
In truth, they were never likely to get a result against Barcelona but they have managed to create a number of good chances and scored two well-taken goals against the LaLiga giants.
Nearly an immediate response from Barcelona.
Fermin Lopez collects the ball in a similar position to Milson, on the left of the box, and curls a right-footed shot onto the crossbar. Nearly a sensational strike from Lopez.
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAL! Milson
Incredible goal from the Crvena zvezda substitute to reduce the deficit to three.
Cutting inside from the left, Milson curls an inch-perfect shot past Pena and into the top corner. Brilliant strike.
A hat-trick of assists for Jules Kounde!
The Barcelona right-back has been a real attacking threat today, setting up three goals for his teammates.
Fittingly, he's debuting the limited edition David Beckham-designed adidas Predators for the occasion.
As we enter the final ten minutes of action at Stadion Rajko Mitic the game is drifting towards a conclusion.
After a dominant second half performance from Barca, it's easy to forget that Crvena managed to cause them real problems before the break.
That high defensive line provided fertile ground for the Crvena forwards but Barcelona's quality has shown in the end.
Pau Victor comes on for Barcelona. He replaces Robert Lewandowski.
GOOOOOAAAAAAAALL! Fermin Lopez
The midfielder pokes home from inside the box, finishing off a slick move started by an incisive through ball from Marc Casado.
Another assist for Kounde, his third of the game!
Good work on the left from Milson, bringing Crvena up the field. He makes space for a cross but Inigo Martinez heads clear for Barcelona.
Chance for a break for Crvena, playing Silas into space on the right. He charges into the Barcelona box but can't find a teammate in the middle.
The assistant's flag is up anyway.
Raphinha hits rich vein of form in 2024/25.
Few could have anticipated how central Raphinha would become under Hansi Flick. Voted LaLiga Player of the Month for August, the Brazilian forward has carried that form into the Champions League, where he has now recorded six goal involvements in four games.
With Frenkie De Jong off the field, stand-in goalkeeper Inaki Pena takes the captain's armband for the remainder of the game.
Another double change for Barcelona.
This time it's Frenkie De Jong and Pau Cubarsi coming off. They are replaced by Sergio Dominguez and Gavi.
Uros Spajic (Crvena zvezda)
The hosts' captain goes into the book for that unfortunate, but fairly dangerous, collision with Cubarsi.
Cubarsi's teammates looked very concerned for a few moments but he's now being attended to by the medical staff. It was a high boot from Uros Spajic that caught Cubarsi.
Pau Cubarsi
Defending from the resultant free kick, the young defender gets a whack to the face. A nasty cut on the cheek for Cubarsi.
Pau Cubarsi is a little fortunate to escape without a booking after hauling Silas Fundu to the ground on the halfway line.
One goal from the century for Robert Lewandowski.
The veteran Pole is one of the finest strikers of his generation and his record in European soccer's elite competition is truly incredible. He's just one goal away from hitting three figures.
Double change for Barcelona now.
Pedri and Raphinha are off. Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo come on.
Barcelona come forward again with a long ball to Pedri on the right. Good defender from Uros Spajic to halt the attack.
The quality of Barcelona's team has been apparent in the first ten minutes of the second half but Hansi Flick's side should also take credit for raising their game after the break.
They have played with pace and intensity in possession, creating overloads through Kounde on the right flank.
GOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL! Raphinha
They're coming thick and fast now.
Kounde is the provider once again, pulling a cross back to the Brazilian on the edge of the box. Raphinha cooly slots the ball into the bottom corner to clinch the game for Barcelona.
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAL! Robert Lewandowski
This time, he couldn't miss!
Brilliant play from Kounde to send in a low cross from the right and Lewandowski was on hand to nudge the ball over the goal line at the back post.
Crvena head coach Vladan Milojevic sends out a raft of substitutes to warm up after witnessing a dominant start to the second half from Barcelona.
Lewandowski squanders huge chance!
Another good Barca move. This time it's Yamal and Raphinha who combine to find Lewandowski.
The Pole has space to take a touch and shift the ball onto his right foot but can't hit the target from 12 yards out. Big let-off for the hosts.
Good combination play from Yamal and Pedri set the latter into space on the right of the Crvena box.
He cuts back onto his left foot and steps up a back post cross to Lewandowski, who can't generate enough power to beat Ilic with a header.
Brilliant play from Kounde on the right flank, charging forward and curling in a teasing cross to the front post. Pedri tries direct the cross on target but can't contort his body.
Front-foot start from Barcelona who look to be moving the ball a little faster than they did in the first half. Inigo Martinez taking the opportunity to fire the ball into the feet of Lewandowski.
And we're back!
Crvena zvezda get the second half underway at Stadion Rajko Mitic.
Players return to the field for the second half.
Both teams are back on the turf in front of a vocal home support.
Doesn't look like either side are making a change at the break.
Champions League scores at halftime.
We're now at the halfway point in the final group of matches from Matchday 4 of the UCL. Here's how things are looking with 45 minutes to go.
Red-hot Robert Lewandowski continues incredible 2024/25 form.
It's been an incredible start to the season for the veteran striker, who is now 36 years old.
Lewandowski has now scored four goals in four Champions League games, to go with a ridiculous 14 in 12 in LaLiga.
Halftime: Crvena zvezda 1-2 Barcelona
A spirited first half performance from the hosts who generated a number of clear chances against the LaLiga leaders. Barcelona regained the lead through a scrappy goal form Robert Lewandowski but they can count themselves a little lucky to be ahead.
Barcelona look to knock the ball around calmly in the final moments of the first half, just as they began this match.
The bit in the middle, however, was not so comfortably for Hansi Flick's side.
The Crvena corner kick is curled in but well defended by Barcelona, who win themselves a goal kick.
A loose ball on the edge of the Barca box is leaped on by Kanga. The midfielder strikes it firmly but his effort is deflected wide of goal.
We'll have two minutes of stoppage time before the break.
That goal take Robert Lewandowski to 18 goals already this season. Four in four appearances in the Champions League.
GOOOOOAAAAAAAAAL! Robert Lewandowski
The veteran striker is on hand to prod the ball home after Raphinha's 20-yard shot cannons back off the post.
Lewandowski is in the right place, at the right time.
Barcelona end the half with a greater share of possession but Crvena zvezda look capable of posing a real threat on the counter-attack now.
They've got in behind the Barca backline three or four times now.
Another corner kick for Barcelona after Lamine Yamal's long-range shot is tipped over by Ilic.
Raphinha swings in the cross but Crvena clear easily.
Kanga has quietly been a very solid presence in the heart of midfield for Crvena. Breaking up play, distributing the ball neatly - he's helped to wrestle back control of this game.
Now level at 1-1, both teams will feel like they can edge themselves ahead as we enter the final ten minutes of the first half.
Yamal tries his luck from 25 yards out but his shot hits teammate Lewandowski and bounces out for a goal kick.
Cheris Ndiaye skies over from close range!
Another big chance for Crvena. Ndiaye runs in behind the Barca defence and cuts inside Inigo Martinez in the box, setting him clear on goal.
The No. 9 tries to curl his shot into the top corner but blasts it over the crossbar. Huge chance!
Crvena zvezda celebrate leveller against Barcelona!
Silas drew the hosts level with Barca.
As we hit the half-hour mark this game is very open now.
The hosts look enthused by that goal and are starting to push forward, taking advantage of the space left by Barcelona's attack-minded fullbacks.
Incredible noise inside the Stadion Rajko Mitic now! A well-worked goal from the hosts levels the game.
That high Barcelona line has given up a few clear chances already today.
GOOOOOAAAAAAALLL! Silas Fundu
The hosts are level!
Silas latches onto a clever ball in behind the Barcelona defence and finishes confidently past Inaki Pena. Brilliant from Crvena zvezda!
Huge appeals for a penalty from the home crowd as Ndiaye spins past Martinez on the edge of the box and tumbles to the ground.
The referee waves away the protests. It looked very soft, not enough for a penalty.
Out of nowhere, a direct ball forward from Yamal finds Raphinha racing through on goal.
He tries to beat Ilic from 20 yards out but gets underneath the ball and skies the chance over the crossbar.
Rodic is swiftly back on the field and it looks like he'll be ok to continue.
Milan Rodic (Crvena zvezda)
Bit of concern for the hosts as the defender is down after a clash in his own penalty box.
He hobbles from the field with help from the medical staff.
Twenty minutes in, Crvena have struggled to make anything of any real note since that early opening for Timi Elsnik.
Raphinha hits the woodwork!
Barcelona force another corner kick. It's swung in by Raphinha and strikes the bottom of the front post! Nearly a sensational goal from the Barca forward.
Kounde is playing very high for Barcelona in possession, essentially functioning as a right winger. That positioning is allowing Yamal - the actual right winger - to drift inside and combine with Pedri and Lewandowski.
Barcelona are starting to take control now. A whipped ball in from Yamal on the right nearly finds Lewandowski in the middle.
Raphinha finds space for a shot on the edge of the box but his effort flies over the crossbar.
That goal for Barcelona has quieted the home crowd slightly. An early goal is exactly what Hansi Flick would have been hoping for.
GOOOOOAAAAAAALLL! Inigo Martinez
Raphinha curls in a teasing free kick from the left flank, finding the head of Martinez in the middle. The defender does well to get a good connection as he falls and glances the ball into the far corner.
The visitors lead!
Yamal clips the ball forward to Lewandowski in the box. The big Pole is muscled out of the challenge but tumbles to the floor, seeming to hold his face.
The referee seems uninterested.
Ten minutes in, it's been fairly even so far.
Barcelona win a corner kick but the delivery ends safely in the hands of Ilic.
Still not had the chance to rewatch that disallowed Crvena zvezda goal from a different angle.
It looked like the forward had strayed just offside but it was less clear how the hosts had exposed Barcelona's backline so easily.
Barcelona come forward now, Pedri conjuring some space for a cross on the right flank. He finds Lewandowski in the middle, who knocks the ball down for Lamine Yamal.
The youngster strikes it firmly but Ilic gets down to save comfortably.
That early chance has only served to heightened the atmosphere inside the Stadion Rajko Mitic.
Hansi Flick's famous high line was completely undone by a well-timed through ball from the hosts.
Crvena goal ruled out!
Incredible, the hosts have the ball in the back of the net. It looked like it was Timi Max Elsnikwho raced in behind and coolly clipped the ball past Inaki Pena, but he's adjudged to be just offside.
Incredible support from the home crowd, who are in great voice from the off.
Easy to see how this game will take shape. Crvena will sit back in shape, leaving only Cheris Ndiaye up front.
Barcelona playing with Lewandowski as a focal point, but with Yamal, Raphinha and Pedri given freedom to roam around him.
Barcelona are on the offensive from the off, forcing a corner kick after 30 seconds.
Raphinha plays it short to Marc Casado, who tries to lift the ball into the box. Easily cleared.
And we're off!
We're underway in Belgrade for this UCL league phase clash.
Moment of silence for victims of the Valencia disaster.
Players, officials and supporters take a moment to pay their respects to those affected by the horrific flooded in the Spanish city of Valencia, which has already cost hundreds of residents their lives.
When was the last meeting between Crvena zvezda and Barcelona?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it's not a match-up that we see very recently in the Champions League. In fact, it's been 28 years since they met in a competitive fixture.
The game ended 1-1 that night. Crvena would dearly love a repeat this evening.
The teams are out at Stadion Rajko Mitic!
The players of Crvena zvezda and FC Barcelona take to the field in front of a vociferous home support.
he hosts will be underdogs this evening but they have pulled off shocks in the past, notably beating Liverpool at this stage in 2019.
Young talents ready to shine.
Lamine Yamal isn't the only 17-year-old on show today. Crvena youngster Andrija Maksimovic also starts for the Serbian champions, an exciting attacking midfielder who will be looking to leave his mark on the UCL.
Final preparations at Stadion Rajko Mitic.
Hansi Flick's Barcelona side are looking to make it seven wins on the bounce in all competitions. In that time they have recorded impressive victories over Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, highlighting their UCL credentials for 2024/25.
Did Red Star Belgrade change their name?
The perennial Serbian champions have an illustrious history, even winning the European Cup (precursor to the Champions League) in 1991. To much of the world they were known as Red Star Belgrade, although that was simply the English translation of their Serbian name, Crvena zvezda, with the city name 'Belgrade' added.
In recent years, even the English-language media has taken to calling them by their Serbian name.
Champions League matchday four scores.
Kick-off is fast approaching at Stadion Rajko Mitic, where Barcelona will take on Serbian giants Crvena zvezda in the Champions League.In the last few minutes Aston Villa's 100% record was ended by Club Brugge.
Hosts in the house.
Crvena zvezda have began the Serbian top flight campaign in relentless form, winning 12 and drawing one of their opening 13 fixtures. They have scored an incredible 43 goals in that spell, averaging more than three per game across the opening three months of the season.
He's already a household name, a European champion and a key player for one of the best teams in the world. With that in mind, it's easy to forget that Lamine Yamal is still only 17 years old.
In fact, his goal-scoring appearance in El Clasico recently saw him sport a set of custom-made braces in Barcelona colours.
Kick-off approaches at Stadion Rajko Mitic.
The Barcelona team take to the field ahead of kick-off in Belgrade, readying themselves for one of the most hostile atmospheres in European soccer.
LaLiga leaders prepared for Champions League test.
"Only a win counts in the new Champions League. It will be a difficult game tomorrow, against a great team with very quick forwards. However, my team are doing very well. We have to go all out because our aim is to be among the top 8."
"Winning the Champions League takes a lot of work. There are very good teams with the same aim as us, and so, it means you have to work hard."
Another look at the lineups for Crvena zvezda - Barcelona.
Here's how the two teams will start at Stadion Rajko Mitic today, two full-strength sides selected by Vladan Milojevic and Hansi Flick.
A diminutive winger, a product of the famed La Masia academy, bursting onto the scene as a teenager to become a key player for Barcelona? Lamine Yamal is not the first player to do that, and he's in very illustrious company in the history of the Catalan club.
Here's how his incredible start compares to that of Lionel Messi...
Barcelona in the house!
Barca head coach Hansi Flick is first off the team bus as his side arrive at the stadium for today's Champions League clash against Crvena Zvezda. The players look relaxed, can they continue their recent good form?
We're expecting a fairly comfortable Barcelona win tonight but Crvena zvezda will be looking to frustrate Hansi Flick's side. What happens if the Serbian champions manage to tie the game at Stadion Rajko Mitic?
Preparations underway for Crvena zvezda.
Few will give the hosts much chance against a red-hot Barcelona side but Crvena Zvezda will take heart from previous UCL wins. In 2019/20 they beat Greek giants Olympiacos 3-1, while they defeated Liverpool the season before.
Barcelona team news!
Here it is! No major surprises for the LaLiga leaders, who name a full-strength side to take on Crvena Zvezda.
Predicted Barcelona team news.
Likewise, still no confirmed starting XI for Barcelona. Here's how Hansi Flick may opt to line up in the Serbian capital.
Predicted XI: Pena - Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde - De Jong, Pedri, Olmo - Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski
Predicted Crvena zvezda team news.
We're still awaiting confirmed team news from Stadion Rajko Mitic, which should be coming in the next 15 minutes or so. In the meantime, here's how we think the hosts will line up.
Predicted XI: Ilic - Seol, Djiga, Spajic, Rodic - Krunic, Kanga, Maksimovic - Mvumpa, Milson, Ndiaye
Terrifying tunnel awaits Barcelona players.
Every few months, images of the players' tunnel at Stadion Rajko Mitić do the rounds on social media. In fairness, it is pretty extraordinary.
Considering the illustrious history of FC Barcelona, their decade-long wait for a Champions League title is becoming something of a worry for Catalan fans. However there is a sense that this exciting young side could do something special this season, as evidenced by the scenes after a statement victory over Bayern Munich last month.
Barcelona's players put through their paces at Rajko Mitic stadium in Belgrade. / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP
Barcelona prepare for Serbian test.
Wondering when these two teams last met? It's been 28 years since Crvena Zvezda and Barcelona met in a competitive fixture, going head-to-head in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1996. The game ended 1-1, with Zoran Jovičić on target for the Serbians before Giovanni replied for the LaLiga side.
Crvena zvezda target another famous European night.
While they may not be one of the modern heavyweights, Crvena zvezda have real pedigree in European competition. They were founded in 1945, have won 35 national championships and were even crowned champions of Europe in 1991 becoming only the second Eastern European team to achieve that feat.
More recently, they enjoyed a famous 2-0 victory over eventual winners Liverpool in 2018.
Things could hardly have gone much better for Barcelona Hansi Flick in his first few months in the role. La Blaugrana are cruising at the top of LaLiga and recently despatched Real Madrid with a chastening 4-0 victory at Santiago Bernabeu.
Could Barca be on for a historic season?
Champions League fixture schedule for Wednesday.
There's a huge slate of games from the Champions League today, officially taking the competition to the halfway mark of the 'league phase'. We'll be bringing you all the latest from Crvena zvezda - Barcelona but there's also huge games Inter Milan - Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain - Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona come into the game in red-hot form.
"We have a great team, I'm really happy and you can see that. I have great confidence in the side."
Barcelona prepare to step out at Stadion Rajko Mitic.
One of the most intimidating home stadiums in European soccer, Barcelona will take to the field at Stadion Rajko Mitic this evening. The Serbian champions will have the advantage of a packed home crowd as they look to pick up a shock win to kick-start their UCL campaign.
Crvena zvezda host Barcelona in the Champions League.
Serbian champions Crvena zvezda have had a tough start to life in the 2024/25 Champions League, losing all three of their opening three 'league phase' games.
Tonight they host LaLiga-topping Barcelona, who have beaten Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in recent weeks. They will be looking to extend their six-game winning streak in all competitions.