The Catalans once again provide a goal spectacle at Red Star Belgrade. Robert Lewandowski comes very close to a brand. Meanwhile, a national player suffers a defeat – and is injured in the process.
Former national coach Hansi Flick‘s team took the lead with a header from Iñigo Martínez in the 13th minute. Afterwards, Barcelona didn’t let themselves be disturbed by the equalizer from former Stuttgart player Silas (27′). Lewandowski scored before the break to make it 2-1 (43’). With his second goal, the 36-year-old scored Barça’s 700th goal in the club’s history in the Champions League, as the traditional Spanish club announced.
The other goals for Barcelona were scored by Raphinha (55th) and Fermin (76th). Milson scored for Belgrade to make it the final score (84′). With their third win in their fourth game, Barça moved up to sixth place.
Germany international Kai Havertz suffered a 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan with Arsenal FC. The hosts were initially the better team and rewarded themselves with the goal of the day immediately before the half-time whistle with a converted hand penalty from Hakan Çalhanoğlu (45th + 3rd). Havertz had to be substituted shortly before the end after suffering a wound to his head.
With a brutally efficient performance, Atlético Madrid secured an important 2-1 win at Paris Saint-Germain. PSG started the game strongly and took the lead through Warren Zaire-Emery (14th). Just a few minutes later, Nahuel Molina equalized for Atlético out of nowhere (18′). With his second shot at the opponent’s goal, Ángel Correa scored the flattering winning goal in stoppage time (90th + 3rd).
With their second win, Atlético moved up into the playoff ranks, PSG would currently be eliminated.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone. Today, we have an exciting discussion lined up about the recent electrifying match where Barcelona faced Red Star Belgrade. Joining us is renowned football expert, Dr. Elena Martinez. Thank you for being here, Dr. Martinez.
Dr. Elena Martinez: Thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to discuss this match, as it was certainly a spectacle worth watching.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The match kicked off with Iñigo Martínez scoring early for Barcelona. How significant was that opening goal in terms of setting the tone for the game?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Scoring early in a match can often set the pace and contribute to a team’s confidence. Iñigo Martínez’s header in the 13th minute not only gave Barcelona the lead but also highlighted their attacking strategy right from the start. It puts pressure on the opposition to respond quickly, which can lead to mistakes—something we saw later in the match.
Editor: Absolutely. And shortly after Iñigo’s goal, we saw Silas, the former Stuttgart player, equalize. How did Barcelona respond to that setback?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Barcelona has shown resilience throughout the season, and this match was no different. After Silas leveled the score in the 27th minute, instead of losing focus, they maintained their composure. Their ability to quickly regain control and respond with Lewandowski’s goal was critical. It showcased their mental strength—something that distinguishes elite teams.
Editor: Speaking of Robert Lewandowski, he certainly left his mark on the game. What did his performance tell us about his influence in the team, especially at 36 years old?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Lewandowski’s second goal, just before halftime, exemplifies why he is seen as one of the best strikers in the game. His positioning, awareness, and knack for being in the right place at the right time are remarkable, regardless of age. At 36, he continues to be a pivotal player for Barcelona, proving that age is just a number when you have such skill and experience.
Editor: Yet, the match wasn’t without its challenges. We saw a national player suffer a defeat and an injury. Can you elaborate on the impact of injuries on a team’s dynamic, especially in high-stakes games like this?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Injuries can be detrimental, especially on the mental and physical aspects of a team’s performance. They not only affect team selection but can also disrupt the chemistry that players have built over time. When a key player gets injured, it often calls for tactical adjustments and can introduce uncertainty within the squad. The psychological impact cannot be underestimated, particularly in matches like these, where every point counts.
Editor: It sounds like this match really encapsulated the thrills and pressures of top-flight football. What are your key takeaways from Barcelona’s performance that could shape their upcoming fixtures?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Barcelona’s ability to respond to adversity is a strong indicator of their potential moving forward. They showed depth in their squad and a solid tactical approach, which are both essential for a successful season. If they can maintain this level of resilience and keep their key players healthy, they’re likely to be very competitive in their upcoming matches.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for providing such insightful analysis. It seems Barcelona is on a promising path this season, even amidst the challenges. We appreciate your time and expertise!
Dr. Elena Martinez: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how the rest of the season unfolds.