BELGRADE – In a thrilling UEFA Champions League clash on November 6, 2024, Robert Lewandowski proved instrumental for Barcelona, scoring two goals—one in each half—as his team delivered an emphatic 5-2 victory against Crvena Zvezda Beograd at the iconic Rajko-Mitic Stadium.
This commanding triumph adds to Barcelona’s remarkable run, as the LaLiga leaders have demonstrated an offensive prowess like no other, netting a staggering total of 24 goals across six consecutive wins in all competitions, which includes impressive victories over heavyweights like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
With this victory, Barcelona surged to sixth place in the competitive 36-team Champions League table, now boasting nine points. In stark contrast, Red Star finds itself at the bottom, languishing in 35th place with no points amassed after four challenging matches.
Manager Hansi Flick was keen to shake things up, making two notable changes to the Barcelona lineup that previously defeated local rivals Espanyol 3-1 in LaLiga. Among these changes was the return of Dutch midfielder Frenkie De Jong, who earned his first start of the season following recovery from an ankle injury.
Barcelona wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring just 13 minutes into the match when defender Inigo Martinez beautifully netted a close-range header off a Raphinha free kick. However, the home side quickly responded; Silas capitalized on an aggressive offside trap to drive home an equalizer with a skillful finish during a rapid counter-attack.
Undeterred, Barcelona maintained their composed approach and relentless pressure on Red Star, crafting several scoring opportunities. Just before halftime, Lewandowski capitalized on a rebound from a Raphinha shot in the 43rd minute, turning the momentum firmly in favor of the visitors. The Polish striker doubled the lead a mere eight minutes after the break with a well-placed first-time strike from a precise cross delivered by Jules Kounde.
The dynamic Kounde had a hand in furthering Barcelona’s lead when he assisted Raphinha for their fourth goal before setting up Fermin Lopez for the fifth, solidifying their dominance. Red Star’s substitute Milson managed to pull one back, providing a glimmer of hope for the home fans.
Barcelona’s relentless offense is showcased by their record of 15 goals in just four games, marking them as the most potent attacking force in this season’s Champions League. Both Raphinha and Lewandowski share the stage with Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres as the top scorers, each netting five goals in the tournament.
“We are doing things very well and it is being reflected in the games,” center back Martinez shared with Movistar Plus, expressing confidence in the team’s current form. “Me being a defender, I can tell you that sometimes we suffer back there when the team slows down a little after scoring and we can pay dearly for it. If we improve that, we can be a great team. We have to enjoy this victory. I’m happy for the goal, but above all for the victory.”
**Interview with FC Barcelona Striker Robert Lewandowski After the UEFA Champions League Victory Against Crvena Zvezda**
**Interviewer:** Robert, congratulations on an incredible performance tonight! You scored two goals in the 5-2 victory. How does it feel to contribute so significantly to the team’s success?
**Robert Lewandowski:** Thank you! It always feels great to score, but what matters most is the team’s success. We played really well as a unit tonight. The goals come from the quality of our play and the chances created by my teammates, so I’m just happy to be a part of it.
**Interviewer:** This win adds to your impressive run, with Barcelona scoring a remarkable 24 goals across your last six games. What do you think has been the key to this offensive prowess?
**Robert Lewandowski:** It comes down to teamwork and understanding on the pitch. We’ve been training hard, and everyone is in sync. With the quality of players we have in the squad, we can create numerous opportunities and convert them. We are building confidence with every match, and that makes a big difference.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned your teammates – Raphinha and Jules Kounde also impressed tonight. How important are they to the attacking play?
**Robert Lewandowski:** They are crucial. Raphinha’s creativity and Kounde’s defensive work allow us to transition quickly from defense to attack. Each player knows their role, and it helps us maximize our potential going forward. Their contributions were vital in breaking down Crvena Zvezda’s defense.
**Interviewer:** After this match, Barcelona has secured sixth place in the Champions League table. How do you view your chances moving forward in the competition?
**Robert Lewandowski:** We are aiming high. Every point matters in the Champions League, and this win puts us in a better position. Our goal is to advance further in the tournament, and if we keep playing like this, I believe we can achieve great things. The focus is on maintaining consistency and continuing to build momentum.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, you made a comeback lately following your ankle injury. How does it feel to be back in action and contributing to the team again?
**Robert Lewandowski:** It feels amazing. Being away from the pitch is difficult, but I worked hard to recover. Now that I’m back, I want to help the team and focus on winning matches. The feeling of scoring and celebrating with my teammates is something I missed, and I’m grateful to be back in the mix.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Robert, and best of luck with the rest of the season!
**Robert Lewandowski:** Thank you! We appreciate the support.
