In the Champions League, Barcelona defeats Red Star Belgrade.

In order to maintain their position in the top tiers of the Champions League group table, Barcelona defeated Red Star Belgrade 5-2 on Wednesday, thanks to two goals from Robert Lewandowski.

The veteran striker moved closer to a milestone, scoring his 99th career goal in the competition, while Inigo Martinez, Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez also found the net as Barcelona cruised to a comfortable win in Serbia.

Having thrashed Bayern Munich 4-1 in their previous European match, Hansi Flick’s side extended their winning streak to seven matches in all competitions. During this run, Barcelona have consistently scored at least three goals in every game, and they were similarly ruthless at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.

"Obviously, we’re doing many things right, and it’s evident in our play, but there are still aspects we need to improve," said Barcelona defender Martinez. "As a defender, I can tell you that we’re still suffering in certain areas. When the team drops its focus, even a little... if we can fix that, we can be a great team. But for now, we can enjoy this win."

Frenkie de Jong, back from injury, made his first start since April, but Flick largely stuck with his usual starting lineup. The German coach’s strategy of playing with a high defensive line has frustrated teams like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in recent weeks. In the opening minutes, Red Star had a goal ruled out for offside after Timi Elsnik had broken through and scored, though he was just beyond the last defender.

Barcelona took the lead in the 13th minute when Martinez powered home a header from Raphinha's dangerous free-kick. The Brazilian winger should have doubled the lead himself shortly after, but blasted a shot over the bar following a brilliant pass from Lamine Yamal, and later struck the post directly from a corner.

Red Star stunned the La Liga leaders by equalizing in the 27th minute. Silas broke through the offside trap and delicately finished past goalkeeper Inaki Pena. Gerard Martin, filling in for Alejandro Balde at left-back, was at fault for playing Silas onside.

**Goals Galore**

Barcelona edged ahead just before halftime when Lewandowski reacted quickest to slot home the rebound after Raphinha's low drive cannoned off the post. The 36-year-old striker missed a golden opportunity to add another soon after when Raphinha set him up, but he made no mistake in the 53rd minute, bundling in his second from close range after a pinpoint cross from Jules Kounde.

It was Lewandowski's 19th goal of the season in all competitions, achieved in just 16 matches, and his fifth in four European appearances.Only Barcelona legend Lionel Messi and Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo have scored more goals in the competition's history than Lewandowski, who is now just one goal shy of the 100 mark.Raphinha added a fourth for Barcelona with a low strike from the edge of the box, following more excellent play from Kounde. Flick soon took both Raphinha and Pedri off, giving them a well-deserved rest. 

In a rare setback for the Catalans, 17-year-old centre-back Pau Cubarsi was forced off after suffering a cut just below his eye from a high boot.Kounde then completed a hat-trick of assists, cutting the ball back for substitute Fermin Lopez, who calmly slotted home Barcelona’s fifth goal past goalkeeper Marko Ilic. Milson pulled one back for Red Star with a brilliant curling shot that flew past Inaki Pena, offering a brief moment of consolation for the hosts.Lopez later hit the crossbar with a stunning effort, but despite looking for more goals, Barcelona finished with five, marking the fourth time this season they’ve reached that tally.