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Crvena Zvezda Vs Barcelona
Red Star Belgrade head into their UEFA Champions League (UCL) clash with Barcelona after securing three straight domestic wins. However, they face a tough challenge, as they are one of just six teams to have lost all three of their UCL matches so far this season. Their recent form in the competition has been dismal, with only one win in their last nine UCL fixtures (L8), the solitary victory coming at home in this season’s play-off against Bodø/Glimt. That remains their only positive result in their last four UCL home games (L3). While a win may seem unlikely, they will hope to at least score, having averaged 2.6 goals per game in their last ten home matches in the competition.
Barcelona, in contrast, arrive in strong form, having just defeated Espanyol 3-1 in a derby. That victory marked their sixth consecutive win, and despite averaging four goals per game, they still need to improve their position in the group after a 2-1 loss to Monaco on matchday one left them with work to do. They’ve since hit their stride, scoring nine goals across their next two victories, including a dominant 4-1 win over Bayern Munich.
With Barcelona’s attacking prowess, they could be on track to score four or more goals in three consecutive European matches for the first time since the 1959/60 season. However, they will be cautious, as both of their competitive defeats this season have come away from home, and Barça have won only once in their last five UCL away games (D1, L3).
Players to watch: Cherif Ndiaye has been a key scorer for Red Star, netting their final goal in four of his last six matches, including against Monaco. For Barcelona, Raphinha is in excellent form, with five goals and one assist in his last three club appearances, including three of Barcelona’s four goals against Bayern.
Hot stat: Four of Barcelona’s last five UCL matches have featured exactly five goals.
