Red Star Belgrade, winners of the Champions League in 1991, have faced challenges in recent years. The Bosman ruling of 1995, which allowed players to move freely across Europe, significantly impacted the club’s ability to retain its top talent.
Last season, Red Star participated in the Champions League group stage but struggled, finishing last with just one point against Manchester City, Leipzig, and Young Boys. Domestically, however, they continue to dominate, securing their seventh consecutive national title.
This season, Red Star leads the Serbian championship with six wins and one draw before hosting Napredak this weekend. The team qualified for the Champions League by defeating Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt 3-2 in the preliminary round.
On the other hand, Benfica, twice Champions League winners in 1961 and 1962, haven’t reached the final since 1990.
Last season, they finished third in their Champions League group, behind Real Sociedad and Inter but ahead of Salzburg. They then advanced in the Europa League, overcoming Toulouse and Rangers before being eliminated by Marseille in the quarter-finals. Domestically, Benfica finished second in the Portuguese league, 10 points behind Sporting.
This season, under coach Roger Schmidt, they have already dropped valuable points, losing 2-0 to Famalicão, defeating Casa Pia 3-0 and Estrela 1-0, but drawing 1-1 with Moreirense before the international break.
For Red Star, key absentees include goalkeeper No. 1 Glazer, midfielder Lucic, and substitute Degenek.
Defender Spajic, a former Toulouse player, is a crucial figure in defense. On the attacking front, Bruno Duarte (4 goals, 2 assists) leads the line, with Ndiaye (4 goals) also proving effective. Slovenian international Elsnik has impressed since joining this summer.
The team saw significant changes during the offseason, with key departures such as Dragovic, Hwang, Stamenic, and Bukari, but they brought in reinforcements like Djiga, Krunic, Elsnik, and several new attackers including Milson and Radonjic.
Benfica will be without defender Beste, midfielder Aursnes, forward Tiago Gouveia, and playmaker Schjelderup due to injuries.
In goal, Ukrainian international Trubin will take charge, supported by experienced defender Otamendi and rising star Antonio Silva. In midfield, Turkish international Kökçu will play behind Greek striker Pavlidis. Argentine legend Di Maria, who had a stellar season last year with 9 goals and 10 assists, is also expected to feature.
Benfica saw some notable departures this summer, including Joao Neves, Marcos Leonardo, and David Neres, but have strengthened their squad with additions like defenders Beste and Carreras, midfielders Barreiro and Renato Sanches, and attackers Pavlidis, Aktürkoglu, and Amdouni.
Prediction
Despite Benfica’s recent struggles in the Champions League, Red Star’s strong form, including a 12-game unbeaten run in the Serbian league, gives them an edge. The home advantage could see Red Star triumph narrowly in this clash.
Prediction: Red Star Belgrade 1 : 0 Benfica
