Crvena zvezda and Napoli played out a goalless draw as our team marked the long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League.
Ground: Rajko Mitić Stadium
Attendance: 51,000
Referee: Szymon Marciniak
Crvena zvezda: Borjan, Stojković, Savić, Degenek, Rodić, Jovičić, Krstičić, Ben, Čaušić, Marin, Boakye.
Substitutes: Popović, Babić, Gobeljić, Jovančić, Ebecilio, Simić, Pavkov.
Napoli: Ospina, Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Mário Rui, Allan, Fabian Ruiz, Zielińsky, Callejón, Milik, Insigne.
Substitutes: Karnezis, Ounas, Luperto, Mertens, Hamšik, Maksimović, Rog.
Crvena zvezda heroes of 1991 were intoduced before kick-off to a magnificent reception. Ljupko Petrović and his European Cup winners walked the lap of honour with a replica of the famous trophy.
Our long-awaited return to the Europe's elite club competition was a huge occasion and it was clear that the players needed a bit of time to adjust th a whole new level.
The Italian side, managed by the legendary Carlo Ancelotti, enjoyed the possesion early on and had better chances in the first 45 minutes.
Tricky forward Lorenzo Insigne hit Borjan's crossbar with an effort that seemed destined for the net.
Zvezda were restricted to a few attempts that were either saved or blocked. Richmond Boakye was trying to drag Napoli's defence out of position with his running and Zvezda seemed to to grow in confidence as the half wore on.
Half time whistle was blown amid a fine Zvezda spell of attacking.
Napoli were even more determined to find a goal that would put them in the driving seat.
But Zvezda dedended bravely and even threatened on a few occasions, notably through Dušan Jovančić, who came off the bench to show some lovely touches and create openings.
The final whistle marked our first point in Group C and the fans serenated the hard-working players who gave their all in this battle against Serie A runners-up.