We continued our quest to another Superliga with a confident display against a resilient Bačka team in Belgrade. After a goalless first half, Ivanić and Falcinelli scored to make sure the points are won.
Ground: Rajko Mitić Stadium
Referee: Dragan Čolović
Goalscorers: Ivanić 46', Falcinelli 56'
Crvena zvezda: Popović, Gobeljić, Pankov, Milunović, Rodić, Petrović, Sanogo, Nikolić, Ben, Ivanić, Falcinelli.
Substitutes: Borjan, Gajić, Degenek, Pavkov, Boakye, Simić, Eraković, Radulović, Spiridonović, Vukanović, Krstović.
OFK Bačka: Milojević, Parađina, Rađen, Zdravković, Mijatović, Stojanović, Škorić, Ratković, Eskić, Gavrić, Pisačić.
Substitutes: Krndija, Veselinović, Tomović, Pantić, Velimir, Njamculović, Zličić, Babić, Stojanović, Marinković.
Bačka defended in numbers, but were determined to use any chance to attack the hosts with swift moves. Our team could have had the lead in the opening minute as Petrović fired over the bar. Defender Nemanja Milunović forced a good save on 32 minutes with a firm header that looked destined for the net. But Bačka goalkeeper Aleksa Milojević did well for his team and frustrated Zvezda for entire 45 minutes.
But we were in from shortly after the restart as Mirko Ivanić volleyed home to banish any nerves for the red and whites. Spell of complete domination by the champions resulted in another goal some ten minutes later when Diego Falcinelli poked home from close range to make it 2-0 and all but ensure the win.
Richmond Boakye came on at he break and had a couple of chances, but couldn't convert them on a day he was honoured for a century of appearances in red and white. He created chances for Vukanović, but the scoreline wouldn't change.
Milan Pavkov was introduced late on and he tried to force a goal with a towering header from some way out, but it went over. Bačka were not allowed and chances in the remainder of the match and Zvezda grabbed the win with some ease.