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Barcelona will likely be aiming to strengthen their place within the Champions League desk as they tackle Crvena Zvezda on Wednesday.
Approaching the again of a 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich, the Catalans will likely be excessive on confidence, realizing one other win may see them enter the highest eight.
Crimson Star, however, are approaching the again of heavy defeats to Inter Milan and Monaco. And right here, we are going to check out key particulars Barcelona should be careful for heading into this tie.
How do Crvena Zvezda play?
In Serbia, Crvena Zvezda, higher often known as Crimson Star Belgrade, are an enormous, presently main their league by ten factors after simply 13 video games.
Recognized for his or her attacking fashion, they thrive domestically with dynamic play and a high-press method.
This Wednesday, nevertheless, they face the problem of bringing their home kind to the European stage, the place they’ve struggled to copy that very same depth.
Coach Vladan Milojevic makes use of totally different methods relying on the competitors. Within the Serbian league, he favours attacking formations like 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, with huge wingers and full-backs pushing excessive up the sector.
Can Crimson Star pose a shock this midweek? (Picture by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Photos)
Within the Champions League, nevertheless, Crvena Zvezda shifts to a defensive 3-5-2, with three centre-backs and defensive midfielders aiming to stymie opponents’ advances.
In latest matches towards Inter and Monaco, Milojevic’s squad adopted a direct recreation plan, with lengthy passes supposed to draw stress and exploit areas shortly.
Key strengths for Crimson Star
One among Crvena Zvezda’s key strengths lies of their offensive set items. Slovenian midfielder Elsnik, together with his distinctive left foot, delivers exact balls that usually goal centre-back Spasic, a hazard within the opponent’s field.
Their towering ahead, Cherif Ndiaye, additionally poses a problem together with his physicality, holding up play and offering retailers for lengthy balls.
Nevertheless, their set-piece energy solely applies offensively, as defensively, they seem susceptible, particularly with goalkeeper Ilic’s struggles within the air.
Rising star: Andrija Maksimovic
Barcelona also needs to regulate Andrija Maksimovic, the 17-year-old attacking midfielder touted as Serbia’s subsequent massive expertise.
A gifted left-footer with spectacular ability, Maksimovic has already said his want to outshine Barcelona’s personal younger star, Lamine Yamal.
Contemporary off a superb free-kick objective, the teenager will likely be desperate to show himself on the massive stage.
