Hello and welcome to another LIVE coverage of the UEFA Champions League football match. Tonight, we will cover the Crvena Zvezda vs Barcelona match in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 season. 

The story before the match

Barcelona have been in red-hot form and on the contrary Crvena Zvezda have not won any matches in the tournament this season. With 6 points in three games, FC Barcelona are currently placed at the number 15 position. Meantime, with no points and a -9 goal difference, the Serbian club are currently at the number 33 position in the points table.

Read Also | Viktor Gyokeres: Do you know he was sold by Brighton for only £1 m in 2021?

However, in all competitions, Crvena Zvezda have won four out of their last five matches and looked in great form in the national league. Barcelona have also been undefeated and won all of their last five games across competitions. 

This will be the fifth time these two teams face each other. Barcelona have won 3 of those four games while drawing once. Only time will tell if the Serbian League champions will be able to resist rampant Barcelona, or if it will be an easy win for the La Liga table toppers.

So, sit down and relax as we bring you updates, facts, and news of the Crvena Zvezda vs Barcelona match from our webdesk. 

A remarkable crop of young talent continues to grace the football world in 2024, with under-21 players attracting enormous attention and high prices. In addition to being the sport's future, these up-and-coming talents are already having a big influence on their teams and the global scene. 

These U21 players are not only influencing the success of their clubs but also changing the economics of contemporary football as transfer markets soar to previously unheard-of heights. Let's take a look at the players leading the list.

Read Also| Saudi Pro League: Foreign players in Saudi reportedly face non-payment by some clubs

Lamine Yamal- €181M

Players who earn a place in the starting eleven crash into the headlines mostly, but those who come off the bench are never insignificant. Depending on the situation and for various other tactical and strategic moves, substitute players can make huge differences when things start getting tough on the pitch. 

Sportzpoint explores the greatest substitutions that changed the football history and remained folkloric.

Mario Gotze

(Germany vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup Final 2014)

Mario Gotze lived the dream of every footballer back in 2014 when he scored the only goal against Argentina in the Final to take Germany to their fourth World Cup glory. 

What a goal to win it! 🤯 🇩🇪 @MarioGoetze, #OnThisDay in 2014 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ #FIFAWorldCup | @DFB_Team pic.twitter.com/gluKvx1o8v

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 13, 2022

Gotze came off the bench replacing the legendary Miroslav Klose, only two minutes before the full-time whistle but the game ended goalless. However, in the 113 minute of AET, Gotze received Schurrle's pass on the left and from a close range to the goal; and his left-footed strike fooled Argentina keeper Romero to end up in the goal. 

Argentina could not bounce back from this late setback and Germany lifted the World Cup 2014. Mario Gotze's substitution remained one of the most impactful in the history of football. 

Gareth Bale

(Real Madrid vs Liverpool, UCL Final 2017-18)

Gareth Bale admitted in an interview with FourFourTwo that he was very frustrated after not getting a start for Real Madrid in the 2017-18 UCL Final against Liverpool. However, Bale's fallout with Real Madrid's then-manager Zinedine Zidane led us to experience one of the greatest substitutions in the Champions League's history.

After a goalless first half, Karim Benzema opened the scoring in the 51st minute; but Sadio Mane only took 4 minutes to equalize for Liverpool. In the 61st minute, Bale replaced Isco but who would have thought that the Welshman was going to rewrite history and all by himself? 

#GoalOfTheDay | Gareth Bale vs Liverpool (2018) pic.twitter.com/B4dA2c4FV2

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 19, 2023

Only 3 minutes after Bale came on, Marcelo's cross found him in the box and Bale produced an acrobatic overhead volley, and the ball ended up in the net. Bale sealed the victory for Madrid in the 83rd minute with a rocketed strike which made Liverpool keeper Karius fumble and the ball went inside. Coming off the bench, Gareth Bale scored this heroic brace to lead Real Madrid to win their third consecutive UCL title.

Eder

(Portugal vs France, EURO 2016 Final)

Eder became an overnight sensation after slotting a late strike to win Portugal the EURO 2016, their first-ever major trophy in history. 

France and Portugal both wasted opportunities in the full-time but things became very wrong for Portugal way before. In the 25th minute, the talisman Cristiano Ronaldo faced a rough challenge from Dimitri Payet, and he was subbed off injured. However, Eder came off the bench in the 79th minute of the Final but the 90-minute of play ended in a stalemate of a 0-0 scoreline.

🇵🇹🚀 7 years ago today: Portugal beat France 1-0 in the EURO 2016 final courtesy of this goal from Éder in extra-time! pic.twitter.com/vsNwduJugw

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 10, 2023

But it was Eder, who only played 13 minutes in the tournament, stepped up and broke the deadlock to score the only goal in the final in the 109th minute. France could not produce a comeback as Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo lifted their first-ever major international trophy.

Ilkay Gundogan

(Manchester City vs Aston Villa, 2021-22 Premier League)

It was a neck-to-neck battle between Manchester City and Liverpool in the 2021-22 Premier League title race. Before heading into the last matchday on 22 May 2022, Manchester City was atop the table with 90 points in 37 matches and Liverpool was positioned just behind with 89 points in the same number of games.

Manchester City was set to face Aston Villa in the last match of the season and a win would ensure their fourth consecutive PL title. However, things did not go as planned for Pep Guardiola's men as Matty Cash scored for Villa in the 37th minute, and Philippe Coutinho extended the lead in the 69th minute. Coincidentally, Ilkay Gundogan replaced Bernardo Silva just one minute before Villa's second goal. Man City's title contender Liverpool was playing Wolves at the same time and they were held to a 1-1 draw after 70 minutes.

Run it back. ⏪@IlkayGuendogan's return to @ManCity has got us thinking about his iconic super-sub performance to help win the 2021/22 title 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/ENkxMiRUnQ

— Premier League (@premierleague) August 23, 2024

What happened afterward will always be written in golden words in the Premier League's history. It was Ilkay Gundogan who scored City's first goal in the 76th minute as his powerful header went in. Just two minutes later, Rodri placed a powerful strike to level the scoreline by 2-2 and City was back on top of the table.

𝘓𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺. 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴 🏆 @ManCity pic.twitter.com/DSU9p1cmcO

— Premier League India (@PLforIndia) May 29, 2022

It did not take much time for Gundogan to score his second and City's third as he put the ball inside with a close-range tap-in to almost win the league for City! The match eventually ended as City won the game by 3-2 and clinched their fourth consecutive PL title, all thanks to the German's magic after coming off the bench. 

Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 

(Manchester United vs Bayern Munich, 1998-99 UCL Final)

The world witnessed one of the greatest UCL finals ever on 27 May 1999 when Manchester United and Bayern Munich faced off for the coveted glory. Manchester United won the game by 2-1 in such an otherworldly manner that it still mesmerizes the next generation, and everything happened because of two substitute players, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. 

Bayern Munich took an early by scoring in the 6th minute of the match. Manchester United could not break the deadlock and headed into the break trailing 0-1. Teddy Sheringham replaced Jesper Blomqvist in the 67th minute and Solskjaer was brought in by Sir Alex Ferguson to replace Andy Cole in the 81st minute. 

On this day in 1999, Manchester United completed the historic treble after scoring two injury time goals to beat Bayern Munich! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/odhsJL5BqG

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) May 26, 2021

The game was in favour of Bayern even after 90 minutes but Sheringham slotted the ball home in just one minute into the injury time to equalize for the Red Devils. Solskjaer achieved the final glory with a simple tap-in only after two minutes, and thus the two substitutes led United to the Champions League victory.

While goals may garner media attention in contemporary football, playmakers' ingenuity and vision are equally important. With their remarkable assist totals and ability to set up goals, a wide range of players have been lighting up Europe's top divisions this season.

These players have all contributed something special to their clubs' attacking strategies, from Harry Kane's fresh playmaking role in the Bundesliga to Nuno Tavares' comeback in the Serie A, Sportz Point tells you all about those currently leading the chat.

Read Also| Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race?

1. Nuno Tavares| 8 Assists| 8 Games

Nuno Tavares has been playing well this season and has emerged as a vital back-row playmaker. He has been an important outlet in the last third thanks to his dynamic runs down the left side which have contributed assists that demonstrate his speed and accuracy. 

Tavares has demonstrated an ability to coordinate play with the forwards, providing his team's attackers with precise crosses and intelligent through passes. Because he adds width and directness to his team's approach, his growth as a wing-back who can both defend and create scoring opportunities is a huge asset.

Read Also| Best footballers born in each year from 1990 to 2000

2. Raphinha| 8 Assists| 12 Games

Raphinha, a right winger for Barcelona, has been a constant threat in attack thanks to his combination of flair, pace, and playmaking abilities. His assists this season demonstrate his vision and game-reading skills, as he frequently finds his teammates with fast, incisive passes or accurate, bending crosses. 

His ability to pull defenders out wide creates key openings for other players to take advantage of as well as the defensive work rate, which enables him to regain possession high up the pitch and swiftly convert it into goal-scoring opportunities, making him a well-rounded player. 

Read Also| Youngest players to score 50 Premier League Goals: Bukayo Saka joins the party

3. Bukayo Saka| 7 Assists| 9 Games

Bukayo Saka has developed into one of the Premier League's most potent playmakers. He has continuously shown his inventiveness this season, delivering crosses with precise accuracy and weaving passes through tight defenders. 

The English-born star, who mostly plays on the right wing, has the exceptional ability to cut inside and open up space for teammates while using both feet to contribute significantly. His assists demonstrate both his technical proficiency and football understanding.

His teamwork with Arsenal's midfielders and forwards to create scoring opportunities. Saka's versatility has been essential to Arsenal's rhythm of attack.

4. Harry Kane| 7 Assists| 9 Games

Harry Kane, who is most known for scoring goals, has accepted a more creative role with Bayern Munich this season. The striker has become a crucial playmaker, setting up goals with amazing efficiency.

With his strength, passing range, and ball smartness. Kane, who plays deeper than in recent seasons, frequently draws defenders, making room for others and finding the box with sharp deliveries. 

His development into a more complete attacker who can set the pace and create opportunities for his teammates is demonstrated by his assists this season. As dangerous in an assisting role as he is in front of goal, Kane's playmaking has given Bayern an additional layer to their attack.

Read Also| Lamine Yamal becomes the youngest player to make 50 LaLiga appearances

5. Lamine Yamal| 7 Assists| 12 Games

Lamine Yamal, who is only 17, is already displaying the makings of one of Barcelona's most gifted players. Yamal has contributed multiple assists this season despite his young age, showcasing remarkable strength, dribbling prowess, and an innate ability to locate teammates in scoring positions. 

The Barcelona forward exploits his quickness to go past defenders and send crosses or short passes into the danger area. His pace and unpredictable nature make him hard to mark. His fast thinking and grasp of the game frequently result in assists.

Yamal is a young star to watch, and his contributions are only expected to grow with experience and time.

Robert Lewandowski has been reunited with manager Hansi Flick in FC Barcelona this season and since the start of the 2024-25 season, the veteran Polish forward has been in scintillating form having scored 19 goals in 16 matches across all competitions this season.

Lewandowski was the most important piece of puzzle for Flick's class of 2019-20 in Bayern Munich when the duo won the historic Sextuple in the 2019-20 season at Bayern Munich. Bayern became only the second team in history to achieve the honour of winning the Sextuple after FC Barcelona's iconic 2008-09 season. 

Robert Lewandowski became the highest goalscorer in the Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, and the DFB Pokal Cup in the 2019-20 season under the managerial radar of Hansi Flick. The Polish goal-machine played 71 games for the German club under Hansi Flick and he had a staggering 83 goals by his name across all competitions.

However, the German coach left Bayern in 2021 and Lewandowski moved to Barcelona in 2022. But after 3 years, the feared duo is reunited in FC Barcelona as Hansi Flick was appointed as Barca's head coach in July 2024. Now their paths have crossed again and Flick unleashed the beast in Lewandowski again and he is flying high in Spain and across the continent as well.

Lewandowski, the man who is the leading goalscorer at this moment in the top five European leagues this season, has also praised the German coach saying he is "working wonders" in FC Barcelona.

"What Hansi Flick is doing is incredible, not only with me, with everyone"

"Every player feels comfortable with Hansi Flick, we showed that today. We understand each other, even without words."

(via the El Clasico Post-match interview)

Read Also | Crvena Zvezda vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Highlights | Lewandowski scores a brace as Barcelona thrash Crvena by 2-5 in a goal fest in Serbia

Robert Lewandowski Stats under Hansi Flick

Bayern Munich | 2019-2021

FC Barcelona | (2024-present)*

*Stats are accurate as of 7 November 2024.

Luis Díaz netted a hat-trick to keep Liverpool at the top of the league table with a flawless record, while AC Milan shocked Real Madrid on their home turf. Celtic, Borussia Dortmund, PSV Eindhoven, GNK Dinamo, and Monaco also secured wins.

Meanwhile, Viktor Gyökeres scored three goals as Sporting CP pulled off the night’s biggest upset against Manchester City. Sit back and relax, as we bring all the updates of the match week 4 of the UEFA Champions League 2024 - 25 league phase round.

Read Also| Pau Cubarsi Injury Update: The defender gets 10 stitches after getting injured in the Champions League match against Crvena Zvezda

Tuesday night's action

Sparta Praha 1-2 Brest

The away team was in fine form tonight, causing a consecutive defeat to Sparta Praha. Edimilson Fernandes opened the scoring in the 37th minute to give Brest an early advantage, which they doubled in the second half courtesy of an own goal by Sparta midfielder Kairinen in the 79th minute.

Victor Olatunji ensured that the visiting team did not leave with a clean sheet when he fired home a left-footed shot to the center of the goal at stoppage time.

Feyenoord 1-3 RB Salzburg

It was a tough night for Feyenoord, who lost Nadje to a red card in the 45th minute, allowing Salzburg to take advantage. Striker Karim Konate seized the opportunity, scoring twice.

Moussa pulled one back for Feyenoord in the 81st minute, but Salzburg wasn’t finished; Guindo struck in the 86th minute to secure a comfortable victory for the visitors.

Stuttgart 0-2 Atalanta