UEFA Champions League: Barcelona Dominate Red Star 5-2; Arsenal and PSG Fall Short

Barcelona delivered an electrifying performance, overpowering Red Star Belgrade 5-2 in their UEFA Champions League clash. On a day of mixed fortunes for top clubs, Arsenal and PSG suffered narrow defeats, with Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid claiming crucial wins.

Barcelona’s win was sparked by Robert Lewandowski, who scored twice, and an early header from Iñigo Martinez in the 13th minute, courtesy of a well-placed free-kick from Raphinha. Red Star briefly equalized through Silas in the 27th minute, taking advantage of Barcelona’s high defensive line, but the Catalan giants quickly regained control. Just before halftime, Lewandowski struck again, capitalizing on a rebound, then found the net in the 53rd minute from a Jules Kounde cross to widen the lead.

Kounde’s playmaking continued as he set up Raphinha for Barcelona’s fourth goal, and later assisted Fermin Lopez in the 76th minute to bring the tally to five. Despite a late goal from Milson in the 84th minute, Red Star couldn’t catch up. The victory moves Barcelona up in the group rankings, positioning them as a high-scoring force in the competition.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arsenal, with Hakan Calhanoglu converting a penalty just before the break. Despite Arsenal’s second-half efforts, including a close call from Kai Havertz, Inter’s defense held strong, maintaining their lead in the standings.

Paris Saint-Germain’s fortunes faltered at home against Atletico Madrid in a dramatic finish. After Warren Zaire-Emery opened the scoring, Nahuel Molina equalized, and Angel Correa clinched the win for Atletico in stoppage time. With PSG now sitting low in the standings, they face an uphill battle to qualify.

Elsewhere, Bayern Munich and RB Salzburg celebrated wins, while Aston Villa’s unbeaten run ended in a surprising loss to Club Brugge.

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