Stats prove how Barcelona veteran quietly dominated Crvena Zvezda

Inigo Martinez has proven to be one of Barcelona’s standout players this season. The experienced centre-back has not only strengthened Barça’s defence but also brought stability and leadership to the team. 

In the recent Champions League match against Crvena Zvezda, Martinez was instrumental in Barcelona’s impressive 5-2 victory. His performance earned him the title of MVP, showcasing his value to the squad. 

As one of the team’s veterans, the 33-year-old centre-back has become a mentor to the younger players while displaying consistency in his own form. Notably, Martinez has missed only one match this season—their La Liga defeat to Osasuna.

MVP in Belgrade

In Belgrade, he made his presence felt early by scoring Barcelona’s opening goal. Coming in from the far post on a well-executed set piece, Martinez tapped in the ball to make it 1-0. 

This goal marked his second Champions League goal for Barcelona, adding another highlight to an already strong season.

Inigo Martinez was the MVP in Belgrade. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

His performance numbers underline why he is gaining attention for a possible return to the national team. 

Offensively, he showed exceptional passing accuracy, completing 94% of his passes (92 out of 98 attempts) and delivering 8 out of 9 successful long balls. 

On the defensive side, Martinez blocked a shot, made three clearances, and won four out of five duels. These statistics reflect his well-rounded contributions on both ends of the pitch.

Contract renewal on the horizon

Despite receiving the MVP award, Martinez was quick to share the praise with his teammates. Beyond his performances, Martinez’s strong season has opened the door to a potential one-year contract extension. 

When he joined Barcelona in 2023, he signed a two-year contract with an option for a third if he plays at least 60% of the games, with a minimum of 45 minutes per match in the 2024/25 season. 

With his current form, this goal appears well within reach, and Barcelona seems likely to secure Martinez as a long-term pillar of their defence.