Robert Lewandowski netted a brace as Barcelona thrashed Red Star Belgrade 5-2 in Serbia on Wednesday, extending their winning streak to seven matches across all competitions.
Lewandowski’s goals took him to 99 career Champions League goals, while Inigo Martinez, Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez also scored for Barcelona.
The victory helped Barcelona maintain their position near the top of the Champions League group table.
Barcelona took the lead after 13 minutes through Inigo Martinez’s diving header from a lovely freekick by Raphinha.
After Red Star equalized through Silas in the 27th minute, Barcelona regained the lead just before halftime with Lewandowski’s quick reaction to another Raphinha shot that hit the woodwork.
The Polish striker’s second came early in the second half from a cross by Jules Koundé.
Raphinha added a fourth with a strike from the edge of the box by Raphinha, and Lopez scored the fifth after another assist from Koundé.
Despite their dominant performance, Barcelona’s defense showed vulnerabilities, with Martinez acknowledging some lapses in focus.
A rare negative came when young defender Pau Cubarsi was forced off with a facial injury after a high boot.
Red Star’s Milson added a late goal to pull one back for the hosts, but it was a consolation in a game Barcelona controlled throughout.
Article updated 1 month ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
