UEFA Champions League: Barcelona thrash Red Star 5-2, Arsenal and PSG beaten

Barcelona continued their impressive form with a 5-2 victory over Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, Arsenal and PSG faced defeats at the hands of Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid, respectively.

In Short

• Lewandowski hit a brace in Barcelona's big win
• Correa was the hero for Atletico as they downed PSG
• Other notable results include Bayern Munich and RB Salzburg securing wins

Barcelona continued their recent form on November 6, Wednesday as they thrashed Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League. Arsenal and PSG would suffer losses on the day as Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid were able to edge past them respectively.

Robert Lewandowski netted a goal in each half, propelling his team to a commanding 5-2 victory over Red Star Belgrade. Inigo Martinez kicked off the scoring with a close-range header from Raphinha’s free-kick in the 13th minute. Red Star responded 14 minutes later, with Silas beating Barca’s high defensive line to finish off a quick counterattack.

Just before halftime, Lewandowski slotted home a rebound from Raphinha’s shot in the 43rd minute, then extended Barcelona’s lead in the 53rd with a smooth finish from a Jules Kounde cross. Kounde also assisted Raphinha’s goal for Barca’s fourth, and in the 76th minute, set up Fermin Lopez for the fifth, before Milson pulled one back for Red Star in the 84th. The win moves Barcelona to sixth in the Champions League standings with nine points, while Red Star, without a point, sits 35th.

Inter Milan edged out Arsenal 1-0 in a tightly contested match, with Hakan Calhanoglu’s perfect penalty record intact as he converted from the spot just before halftime. Arsenal’s Mikel Merino was penalised for a contentious handball, giving Calhanoglu his 19th successful penalty out of 19 since joining Inter. Arsenal fought hard in the second half, with Yann Sommer denying Kai Havertz and another chance going just wide. Inter’s resilient defense secured their 10 points from four games, while Arsenal, on seven, are still outside the top eight for automatic knockout qualification.

PSG receives knockout blow in stoppage time

Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League struggles deepened with a last-second 2-1 defeat at home to Atletico Madrid. Warren Zaire-Emery scored first for PSG, but Nahuel Molina quickly equalized, and Angel Correa struck in the third minute of added time to clinch victory for Atletico. PSG, with four points from four games, are in the elimination zone in 25th place, while Atletico climbed to safety with six points. PSG now face Bayern Munich and RB Salzburg, while Atletico meet Sparta Prague and Slovan Bratislava.

Other results on Wednesday saw Aston Villa's unbeaten run come to an end against Club Brugge after a bizarre handball from Tyrone Mings gave the Belgian side a penalty, which they converted. Bayern Munich would edge past Benfica to return to winning ways while RB Salzburg, Atalanta, Brest, Monaco and Shakhtar also secured wins.