Barcelona player ratings vs Crvena Zvezda: A Jules Kounde masterclass! Defender notches THREE assists as Robert Lewandowski brace & Raphinha magic deliver Champions League thrashing
Barcelona were in irresistible form against Crvena Zvezda on Wednesday evening, putting five past their Serbian opponents in a game that turned into a 5-2 Champions League thrashing.
Zvezda had the ball in the net within three minutes but VAR ruled the goal out for a relatively obvious offside and Barcelona had the lead just over 10 minutes later, as Inigo Martinez headed in Raphinha’s superb delivery.
But on 26 minutes, Zvezda equalised in superb fashion. Having been sent beyond Barca’s backline, Silas chipped Inaki Pena with a delightful finish.
Just two minutes before half-time, Barca were back ahead. Raphinha’s shot hit the post and Robert Lewandowski used his poacher’s instinct to finish from close-range.
After the restart, Lewandowski had a chance to put the game to bed as he was found in the area but he amazingly blazed the ball wide. Just seconds later, he atoned, finishing from close in again after Jules Kounde’s cross.
Raphinha capped Barca’s early second-half blitz with a clever, low finish from the edge of the box, from another Kounde cross. On 76 minutes, after his introduction as a substitute, Fermin Lopez buried another excellent Kounde cut-back, his third assist of the game.
Crvena had time to pull a goal back through Felicio Milson, a stunning curled effort from just inside the box, but it was a mere consolation.
GOAL rates Barcelona’s players from Red Star Stadium…
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Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Inaki Pena (6/10):
Rushed out too early for Zvezda’s equaliser, allowing Silas to lift the ball over him. Not troubled otherwise until Crvena’s second goal, a brilliant finish.
Jules Kounde (9/10):
Three assists, one a superb delivery for Lewandowski, and two excellent cut-backs from the right. A ridiculous level of creativity for his position.
Pau Cubarsi (6/10):
Flat-footed when Zvezda raced away and scored. Strong in the challenge but was kicked in the face in the second half and subbed.
Inigo Martinez (8/10):
A beautifully measured header to give Barcelona the lead. Barely gives the ball away and dominant in the air.
Gerard Martin (6/10):
Let Silas go as he levelled for Zvezda. Fine defensively otherwise but less adventurous than most of his team-mates.
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Getty Images SportMidfield
Frenkie de Jong (8/10):
Put himself about really well defensively, winning duels and sweeping up. Misplaced just one pass during his time on the pitch before being substituted.
Pedri (7/10):
Pulled the strings as effectively as he usually does. Takes care of the ball so well. Subbed just before the hour.
Marc Casado (8/10):
Got all over the pitch, making tackles, playing excellent passes, and keeping Barca moving. Such an industrious player with real quality to boot.
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AFPAttack
Lamine Yamal (7/10):
Gorgeous through ball for Raphinha but he skied the finish. Kept running at the backline and would regularly shoot, but just couldn’t hit the net. Still, some dazzling footwork.
Robert Lewandowski (7/10):
Great poacher’s finish to give Barca the lead and another to score his side’s third. Subbed, as Flick gave him a rest.
Raphinha (8/10):
Superb free-kick assist for Martinez’s goal. Hit the post directly from a corner and again prior to Lewandowski’s goal. Finished expertly in the second half to put Barca 4-1 up.
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AFPSubs & Manager
Dani Olmo (6/10):
On for the superb Raphinha. Couldn’t quite impact the game in the same way.
Fermin Lopez (7/10):
Replaced Pedri. Scored a fine goal, finishing Kounde’s cut-back. Hit the bar too in an eventful cameo.
Gavi (6/10):
On for De Jong. Kept Barca ticking cleverly.
Sergi Dominguez (6/10):
Replaced Cubarsi. Had nothing to do with Crvena’s strike.
Pau Victor (N/A):
On for Lewandowski late on.
Hansi Flick (8/10):
He may be slightly concerned with the goals conceded, but Flick got this bang on, and was able to rotate to boot. A supreme Barcelona performance, and the manager will have loved seeing just how fluid and brilliant his attack is at full cry.
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