Sikimić sinks Rad

Crvena zvezda beat Rad 2-1 at Rajko Mitić Stadium, but they were pushed all the way by the gutsy visitors.

Ground: Rajko Mitić Stadium
Attendance: 6,480
Referee: Ilija Brdar (Novi Sad)
Goalscorers: Sikimić 48', 75' - Denić 65'

Teams:

Crvena zvezda: Manojlović, Petković, Aleksandar Luković, Le Tallec, Anđelković, Donald, Poletanović, Andrija Luković, Plavšić, Ruiz, Sikimić.
Substitutes: Supić, Cvetković, Rendulić, Ristić, Babunski, Srnić, Vieira.

Rad: Filipović, Ljubinković, Ćulum, Denić, Petrović, Lutovac, Đenić, Maraš, Mladenović, Jovanović, Bates.
Substitutes: Mićanović, Rusmir, Lončar, Šipčić, Vico, Petković, Marković.

Andrija Luković slotted in to deputize for the injured Guélor Kanga, who's likely to be absent for around four weeks through heel injury.

Zvezda were aggressive and full of running in the first half. This almost completely neutralized Rad's offensive play and ensured ball possession for the champions. However, despite controlling the ball, the red-and-whites found it difficult to break down Rad's defence. There were attempts by Plavšić and Sikimić, but they weren't enough to beat Filipović in Rad's goal.

This match offered more after the break and thankfully it was Zvezda who opened the scoring just three minutes into second half. Ruiz's shot was blocked after a good left-hand side cross by Anđelković, but up stepped Predrad Sikimić to knock the rebound home from closr range and put Zvezda in front.

This goal forced visitors to try and play with a bit more attacking intent and it made the match better.

Rad got their goal on 65 minutes when a right wing cross was met by Đorđe Denić and headed firmly past Manojlović. The marking leading up to the equalizer left the young goalkeeper and the fans alike pretty disappointed.

Now it was again Zvezda's turn to try and find another gear and restore the lead.

Rad again played to contain and frustrate the favorites, but their defence was unlocked ten minutes after the equalizer. Mitchell Donald played a wonderful ball into the box, wrong-footing Rad defenders. Sikimić movement off the ball was spot on and he latched onto the pass and diverted it towards the far corner and beyond Filipović. It was a fine finish to make it 2-1 with 15 minutes to go.

The visitors gave their best to pull level once more, but despite forcing a few corners and causing a few nervous moments for the red-and-whites, they were unable to snatch a late point.

The match finished 2-1 and Zvezda secured important points ahead of next weekend's tricky trip to Borac Čačak.

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