FK Crvena Zvezda
Crvena Zvezda 2-2 Copenhagen: Europa Conference League Stage 2
The Marakana roared, trembled and finally sagged as FK Crvena Zvezda were denied a priceless victory by FC Copenhagen’s last-gasp equaliser in a pulsating 2-2 Europa Conference League draw. Two continental heavyweights trading blows until the death, this was European football at its most visceral.
Crvena Zvezda’s Early Dominance
The Serbian champions came flying out the traps, their famous stadium shaking to its foundations within 11 minutes when a whipped cross found its way past Copenhagen’s scrambling defence for the opener. Copenhagen’s keeper got fingertips to it but couldn’t prevent the net bulging – the Marakana erupted in a red-and-white tsunami of noise.
For 25 minutes it was all Zvezda. Their high press trapped Copenhagen in their own third, the Danish side visibly rattled by the cauldron of noise. Passes went astray, clearances ballooned into touch – but the visitors held firm. And then, against the run of play, Copenhagen struck. A rare venture forward saw their star striker peel away at the back post to nod home an equaliser that silenced the stands in the 37th minute.
Copenhagen’s Second-Half Resurgence
The Danes emerged transformed after the break, their midfield beginning to dictate tempo. Zvezda’s keeper produced a stunning double save on 58 minutes to keep them level, the crowd roaring their appreciation. But Copenhagen’s pressure told just past the hour when their right-back overlapped to lash home from an acute angle – the away end exploded as the home fans fell deathly silent.
Yet this Crvena Zvezda side never know when they’re beaten. The introduction of their barrel-chested striker changed the game, his physicality causing panic whenever the ball entered the box. It was his knockdown in the 78th minute that led to the equaliser, a bundled finish from close range sending the stands into raptures.
Then came VAR drama in the 89th minute. Zvezda thought they’d won it when their captain’s header found the net, only for a marginal offside to chalk it off after an interminable wait. The air left the stadium as if punctured.
What This Result Means
For Crvena Zvezda, this feels like two points dropped in their quest to top the group. The Serbs showed enough to suggest they can trouble any side at fortress Marakana, but will rue those defensive lapses.
Copenhagen showed admirable resilience to recover after their torrid first half hour. Taking a point from Belgrade is no mean feat, and keeps their own qualification hopes firmly alive in this competitive group.
Both sides now regroup for Matchday 3 knowing every point could prove crucial in this marathon conference league format. On this evidence, neither will go down without an almighty fight.
