The Serbian U19 League served up a thrilling contest on 6 September 2026 as Red Star Belgrade U19 were edged out 3-2 at home by a determined IMT Novi Beograd U19 side. Despite enjoying the lion's share of possession and territory on their own pitch, the young Red Star outfit were undone by a spirited IMT performance that combined clinical finishing with disciplined defensive organisation.

Match Overview

Red Star Belgrade U19 entered the fixture as strong favourites, with their renowned academy production line and home advantage at their disposal. However, IMT Novi Beograd U19 showed little respect for reputation, taking the game to their hosts and capitalising on key moments. The visitors struck three times to claim a memorable away victory, leaving the home side to rue missed chances and defensive lapses.

First Half: IMT strike early

The visitors made a bright start and took the lead inside the opening exchanges. A well-worked move down the right flank exposed Red Star’s high defensive line, and IMT’s forward finished calmly past the home goalkeeper. The early setback shook Red Star, who struggled to find their rhythm against a compact IMT midfield.

Red Star grew into the half and began to create chances through wide combinations and quick one-twos around the box. Their equaliser arrived before the interval, a composed finish from close range after sustained pressure. The score at half-time stood at 1-1, with the home side looking the more likely to push on.

Second Half: End-to-end drama

The match came alive after the restart. Red Star came out with renewed energy and thought they had taken control when they converted a second goal to make it 2-1. Their joy was short-lived, however, as IMT responded almost immediately with an equaliser that silenced the home support.

With momentum swinging from end to end, both teams pushed for a decisive goal. It was IMT Novi Beograd U19 who found the crucial third, striking on the counter-attack after Red Star had committed numbers forward. The home side pressed desperately in the final minutes but IMT’s defence held firm to secure a famous 3-2 victory.

Key Takeaways

• IMT’s clinical edge: The visitors made the most of their limited chances and showed great composure in front of goal, particularly on the break.
• Red Star’s defensive fragility: For all their attacking ambition, Red Star U19 conceded three times on home soil — a clear area of concern for the coaching staff.
• Resilience from IMT: Falling behind 2-1 did not disrupt the visitors’ game plan, and their mental strength proved decisive in securing all three points.

Seasonal Context

The result represents a significant early-season statement from IMT Novi Beograd U19, who will take immense confidence from beating one of the most storied academies in Serbian football. For Red Star Belgrade U19, the defeat is an early setback in their pursuit of the league title and serves as a reminder that consistent results matter more than reputation in youth football.

Matches between academy sides often provide the first glimpse of emerging talents, and this encounter was no different. Both teams will hope to carry their positives into the next rounds of the Serbian U19 League as the season begins to take shape.