Analysis The numbers behind the result
Crvena Zvezda's clinical finishing delivers commanding win
Crvena Zvezda's 3-0 victory was fully deserved, as they outshot Plzen 7-5 in shots on target despite sharing 50% possession. Mirko Ivanic was the decisive figure, scoring twice in the 36th and 53rd minutes, both assisted by Timi Max Elsnik, before Aleksandar Katai's 89th-minute penalty sealed the win. The hosts showed greater efficiency in front of goal, with Plzen's discipline crumbling - evidenced by their four yellow cards to Crvena Zvezda's two.
The match turned on Ivanic's brace, which came from Crvena Zvezda's only two first-half shots on target. Though both teams created similar volume (Crvena Zvezda 7 shots on goal, Plzen 5), the home side's superior conversion rate proved key. Plzen's lack of threat is underscored by managing just one shot off target all game. The telling stat was Crvena Zvezda's 100% conversion rate from shots on target (3 goals from 3 shots on frame), while Plzen failed to punish any of their 5 attempts on goal.