Introduction
The FK Crvena Zvezda vs FC Barcelona lineups of their UEFA Champions League clash on 6 November 2024 generated massive excitement among soccer lovers. Barcelona, certainly one of Europe’s elite golf equipment, traveled to Belgrade to face the Serbian champions Red Star (Crvena Zvezda) in a quite expected group level fixture. The fit didn’t just showcase celebrity-studded lineups—it also added tactical surprises, dramatic substitutions, goals, or even an unfortunate damage incident.
This blog post gives a complete breakdown of the shown lineups, tactical setups, participant rankings, substitutions, and general healthy recap of the Crvena Zvezda vs Barcelona match.
Match Overview
- Competition: UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Group Stage
- Date: 6 November 2024
- Venue: Rajko Mitić Stadium, Belgrade (Serbia)
- Result: Crvena Zvezda 2 – 5 FC Barcelona
Barcelona entered this game needing three points to strengthen their group stage campaign, while Red Star looked to cause an upset in front of their passionate home fans.
FK Crvena Zvezda Lineup
Formation: 4-5-1
Starting XI
- GK: Marko Ilić
- Defenders: Seol Young-Woo, Nasser Djiga, Uroš Spajić (C), Milan Rodić
- Midfielders: Silas Katompa Mvumpa, Rade Krunić, Guélor Kanga, Timi Elsnik, Andrija Maksimović
- Forward: Cherif Ndiaye
Tactical Notes
- Red Star opted for a compact midfield five to block Barcelona’s passing lanes.
- Krunić and Kanga worked as central pivots, while Elsnik and Maksimović helped transition into attack.
- Cherif Ndiaye played as the lone striker, relying on counter-attacking opportunities.
- Seol Young-Woo and Rodić were tasked with overlapping runs to stretch Barcelona’s defense.
FC Barcelona Lineup
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI
- GK: Iñaki Peña
- Defenders: Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Gerard Martín
- Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casadó, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha
- Forward: Robert Lewandowski
Tactical Notes
- Barcelona controlled the match with possession-heavy football, spearheaded by Frenkie de Jong’s distribution.
- Raphinha and Yamal provided width, while Pedri linked midfield to attack.
- Lewandowski, the focal point, dropped deep at times to open space for runners.
- The backline, led by Martínez and Cubarsí, focused on quick transitions and ball recovery.
Substitutions & Bench Impact
Crvena Zvezda Substitutions
- Milson → Rodić (59’)
- Dálcio → Kanga (72’)
- Luka Ilić → Maksimović (72’)
- Prutsev → Ndiaye (83’)
Barcelona Substitutions
- Dani Olmo → Pedri (58’)
- Fermín López → Raphinha (58’)
- Gavi → De Jong (68’)
- Sergi Domínguez → Cubarsí (67’)
- Pau Víctor → Lewandowski (78’)
Impact:
- Dani Olmo and Fermín López added fresh energy to Barcelona’s attack, directly contributing to sustained pressure.
- Crvena Zvezda’s changes helped them score a late goal but were insufficient against Barcelona’s dominance.
Player Ratings
| Player | Team | Rating /10 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Lewandowski | Barcelona | 9.5 | Scored twice, clinical finishing |
| Iñigo Martínez | Barcelona | 8.5 | Solid defensively, scored opener |
| Raphinha | Barcelona | 8 | Goal and assist threat |
| Frenkie de Jong | Barcelona | 7.5 | Controlled midfield |
| Pau Cubarsí | Barcelona | 6.5 | Decent before injury |
| Marko Ilić | Crvena Zvezda | 6 | Beaten five times, little protection |
| Cherif Ndiaye | Crvena Zvezda | 7 | Isolated but worked hard |
| Silas Katompa Mvumpa | Crvena Zvezda | 7.5 | Scored goal, best performer for hosts |
Key Goals & Match Timeline
- 13’ – Goal (Barcelona): Iñigo Martínez header makes it 1-0.
- 27’ – Goal (Red Star): Silas equalizes after a counter-attack.
- 43’ – Goal (Barcelona): Lewandowski restores lead before halftime.
- 53’ – Goal (Barcelona): Lewandowski nets again with a striker’s instinct.
- 55’ – Goal (Barcelona): Raphinha extends the lead to 4-1.
- 76’ – Goal (Barcelona): Fermín López scores after a great buildup.
- 84’ – Goal (Red Star): Milson grabs a consolation goal, 5-2.
Tactical Breakdown
- Barcelona’s Strength:
Their possession dominance (68%) forced Red Star to defend deep. Quick interplay from Pedri and Yamal opened spaces, while Lewandowski’s movement disorganized defenders. - Crvena Zvezda’s Weakness:
They struggled with defensive transitions, leaving gaps between midfield and defense. Their lone striker setup meant limited attacking options. - Key Tactical Moment:
Barcelona’s decision to bring Dani Olmo and Fermín López in the second half turned control into goals, proving squad depth was decisive.
Match Statistics
| Stat | Crvena Zvezda | Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 32% | 68% |
| Shots (on target) | 8 (3) | 19 (9) |
| Passing Accuracy | 78% | 91% |
| Corners | 3 | 7 |
| Fouls | 12 | 9 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 1 |
Injury Updates
One of the match’s most concerning moments came in the second half:
- Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona) suffered a nasty facial injury after a high boot from Uroš Spajić.
- He required 10 stitches but was later reported to be recovering well.
This incident highlighted the physical nature of the game, but fortunately, the young defender avoided a long-term setback.
Conclusion
The FK Crvena Zvezda vs FC Barcelona lineups showcased two contrasting footballing philosophies. Red Star relied on compact defense and counterattacks, while Barcelona imposed possession, creativity, and individual brilliance.
Barcelona’s 5-2 victory underlined their strength in squad depth, tactical adaptability, and attacking firepower, with Lewandowski and Raphinha leading the charge. Crvena Zvezda, despite the loss, displayed resilience and gave their fans moments to cheer with two well-taken goals.
As the Champions League group stage progresses, Barcelona’s win puts them in a commanding position, while Red Star must regroup for upcoming fixtures.
Also Read About:-) Hong Kong National Football Team vs Manchester United F.C. Lineups
