Let the history of Zvezda and Benfica repeat itself

The match, played 40 years ago, started at a slightly earlier time - from 4:30 p.m. It was the first match between these two teams in the first round of the European Champions Cup. The stands were full, and our players were ready to win the game. The following 11 in red and white were on the field: Ivković, Elsner, Krdžević, Krivokapić, Miletović, Janković, Krmpotić, Nikolić, Halilović, Mrkela, Šestić, while Gojko Zec sat on the bench.

From the very start, our team created big problems for the Benfica players, and the experienced Portuguese team retreated according to plan, and patiently waited for their opportunities from the counterattack, which bore fruit. The score at halftime read 0:2, and then Rajko Janjanin entered the scene.

He materialized the awarded penalty in the 57th minute of the game and thus gave extra energy to the fans at "Marakana". Already in the 77th minute, Zvezda equalized, and again Janjanin was accurate from the penalty spot. A minute later, the aforementioned player completed the hat-trick with an assist from Miloš Šestić and thus set the final score.

There is a lot of curiosity and symbolism when it comes to the match between Crvena Zvezda and Benfica, and 40 years later all star players believe that history will repeat itself.