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Barcelona secured a thumping 5-2 win at Crvena zvezda's Rajko Mitic Stadium in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, November 6. The result sees the Catalans move up to sixth place in the table, while their hosts remain second from bottom.
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Barcelona made a strong start from the get-go and looked to create early chances to assert their dominance over their opponents. This paid off as Raphinha did well to create the first goal for the visitors scored by Inigo Martinez in the 13th minute. Crvena zvezda hit back just 14 minutes later as Silas Katompa Mvumpa scored to level things.
However, Barcelona held their nerve and kept possession of the ball for extended spells. This allowed them to dissect their opponents and pick their moments to attack in a quest to restore their advantage. Robert Lewandowski was alert to the requirements and put his team 2-1 up on the cusp of half-time as Barca carried the lead into the interval.
The second half saw Barcelona burst into life as they scored twice inside the opening 10 minutes to take the game away from Crvena zvezda. Jules Kounde first found Lewandowski for the Pole's brace in the 53rd minute to help the visitors create some breathing space. Kounde then assisted Raphinha as the Brazilian scored just two minutes later to make it 4-1.
Despite racing into a comfortable lead, Barcelona stuck to their philosophy and their style of play as they continued to keep possession. Both managers then turned to their respective benches and made the necessary changes to their teams. However, things went from bad to worse for Crvena zvezda as Barcelona scored their fifth via Fermin Lopez, assisted once again by Kounde.
Milson then grabbed another late consolation goal for the hosts in the 84th minute but it was too little, too late. Barcelona secured a dominant win and on that note, let's take a look at their player ratings.
Barcelona Player Ratings
Inaki Pena - 6/10
Pena did not make a single save throughout the match and played just one long ball.
Jules Kounde - 8.5/10
Kounde had a great game with the ball as he provided three assists in a great attacking performance. He also won one duel, making one clearance and one block.
Pau Cubarsi - 7/10
Cubarsi won five duels and made two interceptions but was subbed off after suffering a knock.
Inigo Martinez - 8/10
Inigo Martinez continued his knack of scoring the odd goal for Barcelona. He also won all four of his duels, making three clearances and one block. Martinez also helped open play up with eight accurate long balls.
Gerard Martin - 6.5/10
Martin had an average game for Barcelona on the left flank.
Frenkie de Jong - 7/10
De Jong passed the ball with 98% accuracy and also won five duels in a decent midfield performance for his team.
Marc Casado - 7.5/10
Casado passed the ball with 91% accuracy, including one key pass. He also won eight duels and made one interception for his team.
Pedri - 7/10
Pedri passed the ball with 91% accuracy, including three key passes. He also won three duels and made one interception.
Lamine Yamal - 7/10
Yamal had another good game as he played two key passes, completed three dribbles and won three duels. However, he was unable to get among the goals.
Robert Lewandowski - 8.5/10
The Pole scored another timely brace for Barca to help them get past Crvena zvezda, who seemed like a tough opponent early on. Lewandowski also won three duels and played one key pass.
Raphinha - 8.5/10
Raphinha passed the ball with 78% accuracy, including two key passes, of which one was an assist. He also scored a goal after attempting a total of four shots, with the goal being the only one on target.
Substitutes
Fermin Lopez - 7.5/10
He replaced Raphinha in the second half and grabbed a goal for himself late in the game.
Dani Olmo - 6.5/10
He replaced Pedri in the second period but was unable to make a similar impact.
Sergi Dominguez - 6.5/10
He replaced Cubarsi in the second half and helped Barcelona see off the game.
Gavi - 6.5/10
He replaced de Jong in the second period and put in a decent shift in midfield.
Pau Victor - 6.5/10
He replaced Lewandowski late in the game and was unable to make a similar impact as the Pole.
