Crvena zvezda kicked off their Superliga campaign in style as Radnički were soundly beaten at Rajko Mitić Stadium. New boy Aleksandar Pešić scored in his first Crvena zvezda start before Slavoljub Srnić's second-half brace secured the points.
Ground: Rajko Mitić Stadium
Attendance: 4,913
Referee: Aleksandar Vasić (Novi Žednik)
Goalscorers: Pešić 40', Srnić 57', 87'
Teams:
Crvena zvezda: Kahriman, Stojković, Frimpong, Savić, Anđelković, Donald, Jovičić, Kanga, Srnić, Adžić, Pešić.
Substitutes: Stanković, Babić, Gobeljić, Milijaš, Milić, Boakye, Vučićević.
Radnički: Brać, Tomić, Stojanović, Mrkić, Arsić, Aksentijević, Petrović, Simunović, Noma, Stanković, Golubović.
Substitutes: Živković, Stevanović, Ljubisavljević, Jovanović Aleksa, Gazivoda, Jovanović Aleksandar, Ranđelović.
Even though the fans are excited about the upcoming clash with Sparta Prague in the Europa League, there was a job to be done in the league on Sunday. And Vladan Milojević and his players produced a highly professional performance that gave visiting team no chance.
Head Coach Milojević made a few changes from last Thursday’s win over Irtysh Pavlodar, with Richmond Boakye on the bench and Abraham Frimpong starting at centre back in place of Damien Le Tallec. Damir Kahriman was recalled to goalkeeping duty following Filip Manojlović’s recent transfer to Spanish side Getafe CF.
Radnički hoped to frustrate Zvezda with an extremely defensive-minded tactics, but they never looked like creating a real chance from their counter-attacks as home defence seemed very composed and alert.
Aleksandar Pešić had already wasted a couple of decent chances, but he didn’t lose confidence and continued to move well and work for the team. His award came five minutes before the break when he was on hand to poke home from a neat dribble and cross from Luka Adžić.
Mitchell Donald and Branko Jovičić continued to build on their promising midfield partnership and Guélor Kanga continued to thrive in his playmaker role, spraying passes around and looking full of running and desire.
It was clear that the points are staying in Belgrade when Slavoljub Srnić doubled the lead on 57 minutes. The little winger showed great composure as he seized upon a sloppy backpass and rounded Bojan Brać to score one of the easiest goals he’ll ever score.
Our team continued to create chances, but third goal came late in the game. Slavoljub Srnić again did well to get away from his marker at the left-hand side of Radnički’s area and applied a pinpoint low finish at the far post.
There won’t be much time to rest nor celebrate as we’ll welcome AC Sparta Prague in the UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round First Leg on Thursday, 27 July. Vladan Milojević will be pleased with this performance and another clean sheet, but will undoubtedly demand even more from his players who are slowly starting to look like a unit.