Crvena Zvezda 3 – 1 Vojvodina Novi Sad
Serbian Mozzart Bet Superliga • 27 July 2026

Defending champions Crvena Zvezda kicked off their 2026–27 Superliga campaign with a commanding 3–1 victory over perennial challengers Vojvodina Novi Sad at the Rajko Mitić Stadium. The result reinforced Zvezda’s status as title favourites, while Vojvodina were left to rue missed chances in a contest that swung decisively in the second half.

First‑half stalemate

The opening 45 minutes were a tense, tactical affair. Vojvodina, organised in a compact 4‑4‑2, frustrated Zvezda’s high press and created the game’s first clear opportunity when midfielder Marko Jevtić forced a sharp save from home goalkeeper Milan Borjan in the 23rd minute. Zvezda responded with sustained pressure but lacked precision in the final third. The score remained 0–0 at the break.

Second‑half explosion

The deadlock was broken five minutes after the restart. Zvezda winger Aleksandar Katai collected a loose ball on the edge of the box, drove infield, and curled a left‑footed strike inside the far post. The goal ignited the home crowd and shifted the momentum decisively.

• 54’ – Zvezda doubled their lead when striker Milan Pavkov rose highest to meet a corner from Mirko Ivanić, powering a header past goalkeeper Nikola Simić.
• 68’ – Vojvodina pulled one back through substitute Đorđe Ivanović, who capitalised on a defensive miscommunication to slot home from 12 yards.
• 78’ – Zvezda restored their two‑goal cushion when Katai turned provider, cutting back for Ivanić to sweep home a composed finish.

Tactical story

Crvena Zvezda manager Barak Bakhar started with a 4‑3‑3 designed to overload Vojvodina’s midfield. The key adjustment came at half‑time, with wing‑backs pushing higher to pin back Vojvodina’s full‑backs. Vojvodina’s response was brave – they pressed higher after pulling a goal back – but Zvezda’s physicality and depth proved decisive. The home side recorded 14 shots (7 on target) compared to Vojvodina’s 8 (3 on target).

Standout performers

Aleksandar Katai was the man of the match, contributing a goal, an assist, and constant danger from the left flank. Midfielder Mirko Ivanić controlled the tempo and scored the crucial third. For Vojvodina, Đorđe Ivanović gave his side hope with a well‑taken goal off the bench.

League impact

The victory sends an early statement in the Superliga race. Crvena Zvezda sit top of the fledgling table with three points and a +2 goal difference. Vojvodina, tipped to challenge for European places, will look to bounce back in their next fixture against Radnički Niš. This classic Belgrade‑Novi Sad rivalry lived up to its billing, but the red‑and‑whites once again proved they are the team to beat.