The Champions League clash between Crvena Zvezda and Barcelona on November 6, 2024, presents a compelling narrative of contrasting team fortunes. Barcelona, riding high on a six-match winning streak and an impressive goal tally of 24, enters the encounter as the favorite . In contrast, Red Star Belgrade has struggled in this season's competition, failing to secure any victories while conceding a league-high eleven goals. The passionate home crowd in Belgrade could play a pivotal role in creating an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors .
Bar their defeat to Monaco on matchday one – only their second of the season in all competitions – the Champions League has proven otherwise fruitful for the Blaugrana.
Their resurgence in form under Flick has been buoyed by a daring style of high-pressing, high-intensity football. Both Real Madrid and Bayern were toppled in the space of a week towards the end of October, with an aggregate score of 8-2.
A blossoming young squad brimming with La Masia graduates have stormed to the top of La Liga, scoring 40 goals in just 12 games and earning a reputation for an audacious offside trap.
Red Star Belgrade possible starting lineup: Ilic; Young-woo, Spajic, Djiga; Silas, Krunic, Elsnik, Maksimovic, Rodic; Duarte, Ndiaye
Barcelona possible starting lineup: Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
This one should be straightforward enough for Barcelona but Red Star have been known to occasionally cause bigger sides problems. That said, given the firepower that Flick's men possess, this should still be a two-goal winning margin or better. Pick: Red Star 1, Barca 3.
Few defences have been unable to deal with an in-form Robert Lewandowksi, flanked by the newly crowned ‘Golden Boy’ Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who finds himself in the form of his life with 20 goals contributions in 15 games.
Coupled with the fact they conceded less than a goal-a-game this term thanks to a stout defence and a suffocating high-press, they should have little trouble in Serbia.
Predicted lineups indicate that Barcelona will field a robust squad featuring Peña in goal and a defensive line including Kounde and Cubarsí . Their midfield is expected to be anchored by De Jong alongside Olmo and Casadó. Upfront, the dynamic trio of Yamal, Lewandowski, and Raphinha aims to capitalize on Red Star's defensive vulnerabilities. While predictions favor Barcelona with a scoreline of 2-1 (Gonçalves, 2024), the potential for an upset remains alive given Red Star's historical capacity to challenge stronger teams at home.
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