Lewandowski Scores Twice as Barcelona Thrash Red Star Belgrade
Barcelona continued their impressive Champions League run with a dominant 5-2 victory over Red Star Belgrade, led by Robert Lewandowski’s double that edged him closer to a historic milestone.
The 36-year-old striker now has 19 goals in just 16 games across all competitions this season and is only one goal shy of becoming the third player to reach 100 Champions League goals, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The game started strongly for Barcelona, with Inigo Martinez opening the scoring in the 13th minute, only for Red Star to respond against the flow of play with Silas Katompa Mvumpa equalizing soon after.
However, Lewandowski restored Barca’s lead just before halftime, pouncing on a rebound after Raphinha’s shot struck the post.
Barcelona came out firing in the second half, quickly sealing the game with two back-to-back goals. Jules Kounde played a key role, assisting both Lewandowski’s second goal and Raphinha’s strike that followed minutes later.
Kounde continued his playmaking impact by setting up youngster Fermin Lopez for Barcelona’s fifth goal late in the game.
Though Red Star substitute Milson added a consolation goal with a beautifully curled shot, the Serbian champions remain at the bottom of the table, still searching for their first point.
This win lifts Barcelona to sixth place in the Champions League’s new 36-team-league format.
With his 100-goal milestone in the Champions League within reach, Lewandowski will have the chance to achieve it in Barcelona’s upcoming home game against Brest later this month, adding to the excitement surrounding the club’s European campaign.