Crvena Zvezda vs Barcelona: Player Ratings, Kounde's Performance Shines
The UEFA Champions League group stage continued with a clash between Serbian champions Crvena Zvezda and Spanish giants Barcelona. The match, played at the iconic Rajko Mitić Stadium, saw a dominant Barcelona side emerge victorious, securing a comfortable 2-0 win. However, amidst the Catalan triumph, one player stood out - Jules Koundé.
A Dominant Display From Barcelona
Barcelona, brimming with confidence after their recent domestic successes, controlled the tempo from the first whistle. Robert Lewandowski continued his goal-scoring spree, opening the scoring in the 13th minute with a clinical finish from close range. Ousmane Dembélé, operating on the right flank, was a constant threat with his pace and dribbling skills, eventually setting up Ansu Fati for the second goal in the 43rd minute.
Crvena Zvezda, despite valiant efforts, struggled to break down Barcelona's solid defense. The Serbian side lacked the cutting edge in the final third and relied heavily on counter-attacks, often finding themselves outnumbered in midfield.
Koundé's Impregnable Fortress
While the attacking duo of Lewandowski and Dembélé stole the headlines, it was Jules Koundé's performance that truly caught the eye. The French defender, who has seamlessly adapted to his new role in a back three, was a rock at the heart of the Barcelona defense. His reading of the game, anticipation of danger, and ability to win aerial duels made him a virtual wall for the Catalans.
Koundé's performance was not just about stopping the opposition; it was about building attacks from the back. His accurate passing, pinpoint distribution, and ability to launch counter-attacks with his long balls were key to Barcelona's dominance.
Player Ratings:
Crvena Zvezda:
- B. Rodić - 6.5
- M. Pavkov - 5.5
- S. Dragović - 6
- N. Mitrović - 6
- S. Lukić - 5
- D. Katai - 5.5
- M. Kanga - 5
- A. Kanga - 5.5
- A. Katai - 6
- G. Ivanov - 6
Barcelona:
- T. Stegen - 7
- J. Koundé - 8.5
- R. Araujo - 7
- A. Balde - 7
- F. De Jong - 7.5
- G. Pedri - 7
- S. Busquets - 6.5
- O. Dembélé - 8
- P. Gavi - 7
- R. Lewandowski - 8
- A. Fati - 7.5
Conclusion:
The match was a testament to Barcelona's quality and depth. While Koundé's performance was exceptional, the entire team displayed a collective strength and tactical discipline. Crvena Zvezda, despite their spirited effort, were unable to match Barcelona's firepower. The 2-0 victory further solidifies Barcelona's position as a force to be reckoned with in this year's Champions League.
This performance will only strengthen the belief surrounding Koundé's potential to become a central figure in Barcelona's quest for European glory. His ability to both defend and attack makes him a complete defender and a valuable asset for the Spanish giants. As the Champions League campaign progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Koundé's impact continues to evolve.