Robert Lewandowski’s Double Fires Barcelona to Dominant Victory Over Red Star Belgrade

Robert Lewandowski’s Double Fires Barcelona to Dominant Victory Over Red Star Belgrade

Robert Lewandowski continued his sensational scoring streak, netting twice as Barcelona claimed their third consecutive Champions League win with an emphatic victory over Red Star Belgrade. The 36-year-old Polish striker has now scored 19 goals in 16 games across all competitions this season, putting him just one goal shy of becoming the third player in history to reach 100 Champions League goals, joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Lewandowski restored Barcelona’s lead before halftime with a sharp, reactive finish after Raphinha’s shot rebounded off the post. This came after Inigo Martinez opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a powerful header, only for Silas Katompa Mvumpa to equalize against the flow of play.

Barcelona took control early in the second half, scoring twice in quick succession to put the game beyond Red Star’s reach. Jules Kounde set up both Lewandowski and Raphinha with precise assists and later set up Fermin Lopez to cap off a dominant performance.

Despite the one-sided affair, Red Star managed a late consolation goal, as substitute Milson curled a stunning shot past Barcelona’s defense. However, Red Star remains without a point, languishing in 35th place in the standings.

Barcelona’s victory lifts them to sixth place in the new 36-team Champions League format. Lewandowski now has a chance to reach his 100-goal milestone in the upcoming home match against Brest.

Lewandowski Nears Milestone as Barcelona’s Attack Thrives

Aside from an early disallowed Red Star goal due to offside, Barcelona controlled the game from the outset. They quickly capitalized when Inigo Martinez met Raphinha’s free-kick to open the scoring. Raphinha was active throughout the match, narrowly missing a goal after striking the post directly from a corner and later missing an opportunity set up by Lamine Yamal.

Red Star’s Silas briefly shocked Barcelona with a skillful chip, but Lewandowski’s first goal restored Barcelona’s momentum. Though he missed an early second-half chance, Lewandowski made no mistake when Kounde found him unmarked at the back post.

Kounde continued to shine, assisting Raphinha’s goal minutes later and then setting up Lopez to seal the victory. Barcelona’s form has been exceptional, with seven consecutive wins and 29 goals scored in all competitions.

Led by the in-form Lewandowski, this is the first time Barcelona has scored four or more goals in three consecutive Champions League games since the 1959-60 season. Sitting comfortably atop La Liga, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona is well-positioned to reach the top eight in this season’s revamped Champions League.