Belgrade, Serbia – Serbian giants Crvena Zvezda have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League qualification play-off round after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Polish champions Lech Poznań at the iconic Stadion Rajko Mitić. This result sealed a 4-2 aggregate victory for the Red-Whites, putting them just one step away from the UCL group stages for the third consecutive season.
Match Overview
A Confident Start by the Visitors
Lech Poznań, needing a minor miracle after their first-leg defeat, almost shocked the hosts early on. In just the fifth minute, Celtic loanee Luis Palma forced Crvena goalkeeper Matheus into a fingertip save from a curling free-kick.
Crvena Zvezda Respond
The home side, not under pressure to score, still showed attacking intent. Lech’s keeper Bartosz Mrozek pulled off a double save in quick succession – first denying Timi Elšnik, then Peter Olayinka from close range. From the resulting corner, Rade Krunić’s header almost found Shavy Babicka at the back post.
Penalty Just Before Half-Time
Right on the stroke of half-time, Crvena extended their aggregate lead. Mateusz Skrzypczak clumsily brought down Olayinka in the box, and Cherif Ndiaye stepped up to slot home with composure, making it 1-0 on the night and giving the Serbian champions breathing space.
Drama in the Second Half
The tempo slowed after the break, but the match was ignited just before the hour mark when Crvena defender Rodrigão saw red for a reckless foul on Leo Bengtsson as the Swede charged towards goal. Down to ten men, Vladan Milojević’s men had to dig deep.
Despite the setback, they continued to dictate play. Ndiaye thought he had scored again with 15 minutes left, but the goal was ruled offside without the need for VAR.
Lech grabbed a late consolation in stoppage time when Mikael Ishak found the net via a deflection, but it was too little, too late.
Next Steps for Both Teams
- Crvena Zvezda will now face Pafos FC of Cyprus – who stunned Dynamo Kyiv with a 2-0 win – in the Champions League play-off round.
- Lech Poznań drop into the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, where they meet Belgian side KRC Genk.
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