Mirko Ivanić scored an expert header to earn us a precious Večiti derbi victory against a spirited Partizan team.
Ground: Rajko Mitić Stadium
Referee: Novak Simović
Goalscorer: Ivanić 58’
Crvena zvezda: Borjan, Gajić, Milunović, Degenek, Rodić (88 Rodić), Sanogo, Petrović (46’ Kanga), Nikolić (46’ Falcinelli, 88’ Pavkov), Ivanić, Katai (74’ Srnić), Ben.
Substitutes not used: Popović, Gobeljić, Gavrić, Vukanović.
Partizan: Stojković, Miljković, S Marković, Vujačić, Obradović, Šćekić, Zdjelar (70’ Jojić), Natcho (59’ Soumah), Asano, Jović (46’ L Marković), Holender (88’ Stevanović).
Substitutes not used: Popović, Pavlović, Živković, Ostojić, Štulić, Urošević, Smiljanić.
There was never going to be many goals in the derby game. As it was the case recently, goals were at a premium but there was plenty of things to see.
A true game of two halves, Wednesday’s match saw us struggle in the opening half – notably until around the half hour mark with the black and whites looking more dangerous and determined. Second-placed Partizan have had a few half chances that served as a warning for the red and whites to get more focused and start taking better care of the ball. The game started to turn.
Veljko Nikolić thought he’d scored when he evaded defenders and fired into the top corner only to see Vladimir Stojković tip it over with a reflex save. Our team ended the first 45-minute period on a strong note with Degenek having a pop. On the other end, Partizan hit the crossbar through Hungarian striker Filip Holender.
The introduction of Diego Falcinelli and Guélor Kanga at the break did a lot to get us closer to the win as the Gabonese’s fine close technique gave us more time and confidence on the ball. The little playmaker played with a lot of heart and brains as he got the team ticking in familiar style, the style that gave us 17 Superliga wins on the bounce. Interestingly, the visitors were on a similar run going into this match, but their run was to be ended.
It was Kanga who delivered a perfect right-hand side corner on 58 minutes and Mirko Ivanić directed a terrific header despite being surrounded by black and white shirts. The ball bounced off the ground and found its way beyond the diving Stojković and into the side-netting to kick off wild celebrations for the red and whites.
Our team looked confident and set on extending the lead but Aleksandar Katai and Ben needed just a bit more precision and pace on their respective efforts as the game entered the final ten or so minutes.
Partizan gave their best to claw themselves level but were often victims of their own nerves. They did muster a late chance through Seydouba Soumah, but the Guinean’s low shot was beaten away by the awesome Milan Borjan who earned a lot of praise for his awareness and anticipation right when his team needed him.
The final whistle meant that our lead at the top of the Superliga table was extended to 12 points with eight more matchdays to go. It was a fine night indeed!