The champions of Serbia made it a perfect start to the 2019/20 Superliga season with a convincing 2-0 win over Javor.
Ground: Rajko Mitić Stadium
Attendance: 6,112
Referee: Lazar Lukić
Goalscorers: Jovičić 28', Ben 45' (pen)
Crvena zvezda: Borjan, Stojković, Milunović, Babić, Jander, Jovičić, Ivanić, Jevtović, Marin, Ben, Pavkov.
Substitutes: Popović, Gajić, Vulić, Jovančić, Simić, Vukanović, Boakye.
Javor: Jevrić, Jevremović, Kuveljić, Piščević, Đerić, Marković, Dolmagić, Kolaković, Petković, Mrkaić, Amanović.
Substitutes: Lazović, Maričić, Krnić, Pavišić, Sević, Jovanović, Cucković.
Crvena zvezda began the journey to what would be third Superliga title in a row with a home match with newly-promoted Javor Matis. Boss Vladan Milojević handed first team debut to recent signing Jander in this encounter against the club where he started his career as a first team head coach.
Speaking ahead of this match, Milojević stated that he wants the new season to top the previous one. It may look like a difficult task, but with the squad at his disposal, the boss clearly feels that our side has the potential to challenge for both domestic trophies as well as European glory.
Captain Marko Marin was the first to get into a goal scoring chance inside the opening five minutes as he cut in from the right and curled a low shot with the outside of his right foot. However, it slid just wide of the far post.
Milan Pavkov tried a header on 15 minutes as he got to a Jander Santana's left hand side cross, but it was just off target.
It was the unlikely provider for the opening goal as Branko Jovičić sneaked around the edge of the area on 28 minutes and hit a shot first time from a rolled Marko Marin square ball. It flew in into the roof of the net with Nemanja Jevrić unable to get a touch.
Branko Jovičić rarely gets forward, but he nearly got another goal just five minutes later with an ambitious attempt from around 25 meters out. He was unlucky to see it fly just wide.
The lead was doubled just before the break as Ben raced through on goal only to be tripped by Boban Đerić. The Javor defender was sent off due to it being his second bookable offence, while Ben composed himself to convert the spot kick and make it 2-0.
Zvezda continued to press after the restart, with Ivanić and Jander created problems for the visitors.
The tempo dropped as it was getting evident that Javor were unable to mount any real pressure onto Zvezda back four.
The final whistle brought celebrations as fans and players alike turn to next week's Champions League qualifier against HJK.