Mon Nov 04 13:18:31 UTC 2024: ## FC Barcelona to Face Off Against Red Star Belgrade in Europa League
**Barcelona, Spain** – FC Barcelona are set to face off against a familiar foe from Eastern Europe, Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade), in the upcoming Europa League group stage. While these two clubs have crossed paths nine times in UEFA competitions throughout history, this will be their first encounter in the Champions League or its predecessor, the European Cup. The last time the two teams met was a full 28 years ago, in 1996.
The teams’ history dates back to the early 1960s, with two encounters in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. Barcelona emerged victorious in the 1961/62 semi-final, but Red Star Belgrade prevailed in the 1962/63 round of 16 after a dramatic playoff.
Following a two-decade hiatus, the teams met again several times in the 1980s, including two friendlies and a Cup Winners Cup tie, where Barcelona emerged victorious.
Their most recent competitive clash came in the 1996/97 Cup Winners Cup, with Barcelona securing a 4-2 aggregate victory. Since then, the two sides have met in friendly matches in 1998 and 2002.
This upcoming Europa League group stage encounter promises to be a nostalgic and exciting match for fans of both clubs, as they rekindle a rivalry that has seen its share of thrilling moments throughout the years.
First Piper 