Barcelona Aims to Secure Champions League Top 8 Spot Against Struggling Crvena Zvezda

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, FC Barcelona will face Crvena Zvezda in their fourth UEFA Champions League match of the season at the iconic Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade. This encounter is crucial for Barcelona as they seek to maintain their impressive form and secure a spot in the top 8 of the Champions League group stage.

Barcelona, under the leadership of Hansi Flick, has been in stellar form, having won six consecutive matches, including a 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The team is driven by key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and the young talent Lamine Yamal. With six points already, Barcelona is eyeing direct qualification to the knockout rounds.

Crvena Zvezda, on the other hand, is facing significant challenges. The Serbian team has not secured a single point in the Champions League so far, suffering tough losses to Benfica, Inter Milan, and Monaco, including a harsh 5-1 defeat. The team is also dealing with injuries to key players like Ivanic, Mimovic, Olayinka, and Radonjic, which further complicates their chances against a high-flying Barcelona side.

The match is expected to be intense, with the atmosphere at Rajko Mitic Stadium, known as “Marakana,” likely to be electric. Despite the historical significance and the home advantage, Crvena Zvezda’s current form and injuries make Barcelona the overwhelming favorite to win. However, Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick is cautious not to underestimate the opposition, recognizing the potential for a tough match.

In addition to the senior team’s match, Barcelona’s U19 team has already secured a victory against Crvena Zvezda in the UEFA Youth League, winning 2-1 with goals from Hugo Alba and Arnau Pradas. This win has positioned Barcelona’s youth team well in the Youth League standings.

The match will be broadcast globally through various channels and streaming services, including Paramount+ and ViX in the USA, TNT Sports 6 in the UK, and Movistar Liga de Campeones 2 in Spain.