Barcelona faces Crvena Zvezda aiming to secure Champions League top 8 spot

This Wednesday, Barcelona takes the field for their fourth Champions League match against Crvena Zvezda at the legendary Rajko Mitic Stadium, more commonly referred to as "Marakana," in Belgrade. For the Serbians, who haven't scored a single point, it's a daunting challenge. After tough losses to Benfica, Inter Milan, and Monaco-including a harsh 5-1 defeat-the chances of advancing for Crvena Zvezda almost vanished. This is a golden opportunity for Barcelona, high on an incredible phase of performances, to book a spot in Europe's top 8 with consistency.

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Barcelona En Fuego: Wins on the Trot, Command with Hansi Flick

If there had to be a moment in which Barcelona would flex their muscles, this was it. With Hansi Flick at the wheel, the Catalans have piled up big wins, such as takedowns against Real Madrid and Espanyol in LaLiga, besides the emphatic 4-1 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. This Barcelona team, on the field led by stars like Raphinha, Lewandowski, and the young prodigy Lamine Yamal, has six points and ambitiously eyes a direct qualification to the knockout rounds.

The recent trend of Barcelona is an integrated attacking side that has won six in a row and netted three or more goals in each of those matches. In Champions League football, consistency is the separating key between serious contenders and those simply taking part. It is this consistency that Barcelona seeks to maintain against an injury-ridden and weakened Crvena Zvezda.

Crvena Zvezda: Overcoming the Crisis

Crvena Zvezda was champion of Europe in 1991 and has been one of the traditional powers of Eastern Europe, but the current team falls far short from its glorious days. Consecutive losses and a defense that has already let in 11 goals-the worst in the competition, alongside Slovan Bratislava and Dinamo Zagreb-point to serious trouble for the Belgrade team.

For Wednesday's match, the head coach Vladan Milojevic has additional problems: regular starters Ivanic, Mimovic, Olayinka, and Radonjic are all but ruled out, while Bruno Duarte and Omri Glazer are still doubtful. It is tough work to rearrange the team that will face high-flying Barcelona, and the Serbians know very well that only a heroic performance will keep their slim chances alive.

Expectations for Barcelona: Who Will Shine at Rajko Mitic?

Also, Barcelona has its share of setbacks: Hansi Flick will not be able to field Ronald Araújo, Ferran Torres, Ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, and Marc Bernal, all of whom are out due to injuries. Nevertheless, Flick still has more talents at his disposal. It is expected that Frenkie de Jong will return to the starting lineup, hence giving some balance in midfield, while Dani Olmo and Gavi-who's still on his way to getting back into shape after a serious injury-have promised energy and dynamism on the pitch.

Barcelona comes in as the overwhelming favorite, but Rajko Mitic Stadium has its mystique. Going against Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade is never easy, especially inside a stadium pulsating to the rhythm of local fans. The history between both teams is minimal but always full of intensity and rivalry. Their previous competitive meeting in 1996 saw Barça come out on top in an exhilarating Cup Winners' Cup tie. Much is different since then, but the atmosphere of the "Marakana" remains unique.

A Bit of History: Memorable Matches Between Barcelona and Crvena Zvezda

Barcelona and Crvena Zvezda are two legacies that boast of being respected in their own ways as far as European soccer is concerned. Despite that fact that these two clubs hardly meet, they have been part of some memorable matches over the years. The most famous confrontation took place in 1996, when Barcelona-with Bobby Robson on the bench- beat Crvena Zvezda in the Cup Winners' Cup. Barça won the first leg 3-1 with two goals from Giovanni and one from Luis Figo. During the second leg, Crvena Zvezda tried to even out the result, but Giovanni sealed the final score at 4-2.

Later on, both teams played in friendlies against each other numerous times, with the 2002 Gamper Trophy seeing Barcelona win through a goal by Brazilian Fábio Rochemback. These historical games just add to the aura surrounding the clashes between Barcelona and Crvena Zvezda; now they have the chance to add a new chapter at Rajko Mitic.