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Barcelona will travel to Serbia to face Red Star Belgrade in the fourth round of the Champions League group stage. In their current form, Barça has a chance to secure their third consecutive Champions League win, while Red Star will be aiming for their first victory to keep their hopes alive.
Time & Venue
- Time: 20:00 GMT, November 6
- Venue: Rajko Mitić Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia
Form
Barcelona has had an impressive start this season, with only minor setbacks, such as losses to Monaco (1-2) in the Champions League and Osasuna (2-4) in La Liga. Overall, the Catalan team has won 13 out of 15 games, a highly convincing record. They head into this matchup on a six-game winning streak, scoring 24 goals in that span, showcasing their formidable offensive strength.
Notably, Barça recently achieved a stunning 4-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu and then defeated Espanyol 3-1 in the Catalonia derby. These results have solidified Barça’s La Liga lead with a 9-point cushion over Real Madrid.
Barça is preparing for their first encounter with Red Star since October 1996, when they won 4-2 on aggregate in the European Cup Winners’ Cup Round of 16 and ultimately claimed the title.
After scoring a combined nine goals in their last two Champions League games against Young Boys (5 goals) and Bayern Munich (4 goals), Barcelona now aims to score four or more goals in three consecutive European matches for the first time since the 1959-60 season, where they scored five against AC Milan and nine over two legs against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In contrast, Red Star’s Champions League form has been disappointing. The Serbian team ranks 33rd out of 36 teams, having lost all three of their opening matches. They were defeated 1-2 by Benfica at home, then suffered heavy losses against Inter Milan (0-4) and Monaco (1-5).
Despite these setbacks in Europe, Vladan Milojević’s squad has been impressive in their domestic league, with 12 wins and one draw from 13 games, scoring 43 goals and conceding just eight. They extended their lead at the top with a 3-0 win over Vojvodina on Sunday, just four days after thrashing Tekstilac Odžaci 7-0 in the Serbian Cup.
Red Star heads into this clash with only two wins in nine previous European encounters against Spanish clubs — both occurring in the 1960s (3-2 in December 1962 and 1-0 in January 1963). They are currently seeking to avoid becoming the first team since Benfica (March 2017 to September 2018) to lose eight consecutive Champions League games.
Team News
Red Star Belgrade
The hosts are missing key players, with Peter Olayinka and Nemanja Radonjic facing fitness issues. Goalkeeper Omri Glazer and defender Ognjen Mimović are also likely to be sidelined as they recover. Red Star will rely on Cherif Ndiaye, who has scored ten goals in 14 matches, alongside Bruno Duarte. The midfield will feature players such as Rade Krunic, Timi Max Elsnik, and young talent Andrija Maksimovic.
Barcelona faces injury challenges, with several key players sidelined, including goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and defenders Marc Bernal, Ronald Araújo, Ferran Torres, Eric Garcia, and Andreas Christensen. Coach Hansi Flick may start Jules Koundé at right-back in place of Héctor Fort, with Frenkie de Jong and Gavi in midfield in place of Pedri and Marc Casado. In attack, Raphinha, who has been stellar under Flick with 11 goals and nine assists in 15 games, is expected to join Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal to form a formidable attacking trio.
Projected Lineups
Statistics
Red Star has lost all three of their Champions League matches this season, while Barcelona has six consecutive wins in all competitions.
Barcelona has scored at least one goal every 90 minutes in their last 14 matches.
Goals & Conceding Rates
Analysis
Barcelona, with their powerful attack and stable form, are considered far stronger than Red Star. The Serbian side, despite their dominance domestically, has struggled in Europe, often finding it challenging against major clubs. The absence of key players like Peter Olayinka and Nemanja Radonjic further weakens Red Star.
Predicted Score (according to Sports Mole): Red Star Belgrade 0-4 Barcelona