FK Crvena Zvezda
Crvena Zvezda’s Ivanic Masterclass Seals Europa League Progression
The Rajko Mitic Stadium erupted as Crvena Zvezda stormed into the Europa League group stages with a 3-0 demolition of Plzen, Mirko Ivanic’s first-half brace and Aleksandar Katai’s late penalty sending 50,000 delirious Serbians into party mode.
Plzen’s Resistance Broken Before Half-Time
After early sparring, the deadlock shattered in the 36th minute when Timi Elsnik’s incisive pass found Ivanic, who coolly slotted past Florian Wiegele. The Serbian playmaker doubled his tally seven minutes after the restart, again combining with Elsnik before firing low into the bottom corner.
Plzen’s frustrations boiled over with four yellow cards, including two in a chaotic 84th minute that saw Sampson Dweh and Crvena’s Vasilije Kostov booked after a scuffle. The Czechs’ misery was compounded when Katai converted an 89th-minute penalty after a handball, sealing their heaviest European defeat this season.
Crvena Zvezda’s Tactical Superiority
Albert Riera’s men dominated key metrics, outshooting Plzen 12-6 with seven on target. Their 50% possession belied total control, with Elsnik’s two assists and Ivanic’s movement proving unplayable. The Serbians’ defensive discipline shone too, restricting Plzen to just one off-target shot after the hour mark.
What This Means For Both Sides
Crvena Zvezda can now plan for a fourth consecutive Europa League group stage campaign, while Plzen face an ignominious early exit from European competition. For Ivanic, this performance announces him as Serbia’s next creative talisman – his two goals coming from just three touches in Plzen’s box.
The Rajko Mitic’s famous ‘Firma’ ultras will still be singing into the Belgrade night, while Martin Hysky’s Plzen boardroom faces tough questions after this meek surrender. One thing’s certain – Crvena Zvezda’s name will be one to avoid in Thursday’s group stage draw.
Key Moments
36′ âš½ FK Crvena Zvezda — M. Ivanic (assist: T. Elsnik)
53′ âš½ FK Crvena Zvezda — M. Ivanic (assist: T. Elsnik)
89′ âš½ FK Crvena Zvezda — A. Katai🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.
