Crvena Zvezda edged past SKU Ertl Glas Amstetten 2–1 in a tightly contested International Club Friendly on June 25, 2026, at the Rajko Mitić Stadium. The Serbian giants used the match as part of their pre-season preparations, testing new tactical ideas against a disciplined Austrian second‑tier side.

Match Overview

In front of a modest but passionate home crowd, Crvena Zvezda controlled possession early but struggled to break down a compact Amstetten defence. The visitors, known for their organised shape and counter‑attacking threat, caused problems on the break. The first half remained goalless as both sides adjusted to the intensity of a pre‑season friendly.

Key Moments

• 52′ – Crvena Zvezda 1–0: A swift move down the right flank ended with a low cross that was turned home by a forward making a near‑post run.
• 68′ – Crvena Zvezda 2–0: A corner kick was met with a powerful header from a centre‑back, doubling the home side’s advantage.
• 81′ – Amstetten 2–1: The Austrian side pulled one back through a well‑worked set‑piece, catching the Zvezda defence napping.

Tactical Story

Red Star dominated possession (roughly 65% overall) but Amstetten remained dangerous on the counter. The home side’s full‑backs pushed high, creating overloads in wide areas, while the midfield trio rotated well to maintain pressure. Amstetten relied on quick transitions and long balls over the top, nearly equalising in the 87th minute when a shot rattled the crossbar.

Standout Performers

• Crvena Zvezda’s No. 9: Opened the scoring with a poacher’s finish and linked play effectively before being substituted in the 70th minute.
• Amstetten’s goalkeeper: Made several sharp saves, particularly in the first half, to keep his team in the game.
• Zvezda’s centre‑back: Dominant in the air, scoring the second goal and winning nearly every defensive header.

Match Context

This friendly was part of Crvena Zvezda’s summer programme ahead of their domestic league campaign and potential European qualifiers. For SKU Ertl Glas Amstetten, the fixture provided invaluable experience against a high‑calibre opponent, highlighting areas for improvement before their Austrian 2. Liga season resumes.

Despite the loss, Amstetten will take encouragement from their second‑half performance and late goal. Red Star’s manager praised the team’s fitness levels but noted the need for sharper finishing in the final third.