Crvena zvezda return to the UEFA Champions League after beating Red Bull Salzbug on away goals on an extraordinary night in Austria. El Fardou Ben Nabouhane scored twice in space of a minute to level after Salzbug threatened to run away with the match.
Ground: Stadion Salzburg
Attendance: 26,500
Referee: Cüneyt Çakır (Turkey)
Goalscorers: Dabbur 45', 48' (pen) - Ben 65', 66'
Salzburg: Stanković, Lainer, André Ramalho, Pongračić, Ulmer, Haidara, Wolf, Samassékou, Schlager, Daka, Dabbur.
Substitutes: Walke, Van Der Werff, Yabo, Prevljak, Minamino, Mwepu, Todorović
Crvena zvezda: Borjan, Stojković, Savić, Degenek, Rodić, Jovičić, Krstičić, Milić, Simić, Radonjić, Ben.
Substitutes: Popović, Pavkov, Srnić, Babić, Cafú, Jovančić, Gobeljić
Crvena zvezda faced a difficult task of beating the champions of Austria at their ground, something that doesn't happen very often. Vladan Milojević spoke about wanting his team to play this match in the same manner they play every other match. But it was clear that this match was never going to be ordinary.
Zvezda's starting eleven saw a couple of changes. Nemanja Milić started upfront for Zvezda this evening after Nikola Stojiljković had picked up an injury in training and hasn't traveled with the squad. Veljko Simić also started in place of Jonathan Cafú.
The first 45 minutes were dominated by the hosts who created far too many chances to beat Borjan. It was some heroic defending by captain Vujadin Savić that prevented an early Salzbug goal. Borjan left his line and was stranded in no man's land. Luckily, Savić made a perfect sliding tackle to block Daka's shot that was destined for the empty net.
The Bulls were allowed too much time on the ball as they continued to pass it around and create openings in front of sluggish-looking Zvezda.
Vladan Milojević made his first substitution on 37 minutes as he sent Dušan Jovančić on for Veljko Simić in a bit to pack the midfield and retain a bit of possession.
Our defence couldn't hold on until half time, however, as Dabbur volleyed home from a Leiner cross with ease to give Salzburg the lead. It was a bad moment to concede, but Crvena zvezda were left with an entire half of football to try and find a goal that would change the outlook of this play off tie.
However, it didn't go according to plan and the deficit was doubled just three minutes into the second half. Referee Cüneyt Çakır pointed to the spot after a Savić tackle that may have been just inside the area. Munas Dabbur beat Borjan again to make it 2-0.
Milan Pavkov was sent shortly for Nemanja Milić and he had a decent chance soon after coming on, but he fired over after controlling the ball in the box.
Few would anticipate what was to follow.
El Fardou Ben scored twice in a frantic minute to turn the tie on it's head and give Serbian champions the lead on away goals.
Further 30 minutes of heroics followed, but Zvezda held on to reach the promised land for the first time in this century.
Crvena zvezda have qualified for the group stage of 2018/19 UEFA Champions League!