Crvena Zvezda Secure Narrow 1-0 Win at FK IMT Belgrad

Crvena Zvezda continued their pursuit of the Serbian Mozzart Bet Superliga title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over FK IMT Belgrad at the Stadion FK IMT on 14 September 2026. The away side dominated possession for long spells, but a disciplined IMT defensive block kept them at bay until a second-half breakthrough settled a tense contest.

The result leaves Crvena Zvezda firmly in the upper reaches of the standings, while IMT remain in a scrap for points in the lower half of the table. Red Star’s ability to grind out wins on difficult away days is a hallmark of champions, and this performance will be remembered as another example of their title-winning mentality.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, Crvena Zvezda dictated the tempo. Their midfield trio recycled the ball quickly, switching play from flank to flank in an attempt to stretch IMT’s compact 4-4-2. IMT, aware of the gulf in resources, sat deep and looked to spring counterattacks through their pacey wide players. The first half produced few clear chances, with Red Star limited to shots from distance and a series of corners that IMT defended with grit.

IMT’s goalkeeper was the busiest player on the pitch before the break, palming away a stinging drive and claiming several dangerous crosses. The home crowd grew increasingly hopeful as their team reached halftime level, but the relentless pressure from the visitors suggested a goal was inevitable.

Key Moment: The Breakthrough

The decisive moment arrived in the 63rd minute. A clever exchange on the edge of the box released Cherif Ndiaye, who had been introduced as a substitute just minutes earlier. The striker took a touch to steady himself before firing a low shot into the bottom corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. It was a goal of patience and precision, exactly what the game demanded.

IMT tried to respond, pushing more players forward in the final 20 minutes, but Crvena Zvezda’s back line held firm. The visitors managed the closing stages expertly, slowing the tempo and keeping the ball in the corners to deny any late drama.

Tactical Story

Crvena Zvezda’s 4-2-3-1 formation allowed their full-backs to push high, creating overloads out wide. IMT’s midfielders worked tirelessly to track runners, but the sheer volume of Red Star’s possession eventually told. The introduction of Ndiaye added a focal point in the box, and his movement between the centre-backs proved the difference.

IMT’s game plan was not without merit. They limited Red Star to few clear-cut opportunities and nearly snatched a point with a late set-piece. However, their lack of cutting edge in the final third remains a concern for the coaching staff.

Standout Players

• Cherif Ndiaye (Crvena Zvezda): The match-winner, whose sharp movement and clinical finish broke the deadlock.
• IMT goalkeeper: Produced a string of saves to keep the scoreline respectable and nearly earned his side a draw.
• Crvena Zvezda midfield: Controlled the rhythm of the game, winning back possession quickly and feeding the attackers.

Season Impact

For Crvena Zvezda, this victory maintains their momentum in the Serbian Superliga title race. Every away win against stubborn opposition is crucial, and the three points keep them within touching distance of the summit. For FK IMT Belgrad, the defeat leaves them searching for consistency, though the performance showed they can compete defensively with the league’s elite. The head-to-head record now favours Red Star once again, and IMT will need to find goals from somewhere if they are to climb the standings.