21 janvier 2025. 22:00. Belgrade. Stade Rajko Mitic
Champions League. Knockout phase. Day 7
Red Star (Belgrade, Serbia) – PSV (Eindhoven, Pays-Bas)
Possible absences: Glazer, Avdich, Olaiynka – Dest, Nagalo, Drieuš
This year, the European Cups are returning earlier than usual. We’re used to Champions League matches starting in February, and there are solid reasons for that. For example, in 2024, the first leg of the playoffs took place on February 13. This time, the Champions League matches will take place almost a month earlier. The main reason is that the tournament now lasts longer. Instead of a group stage, 8 matches will be played by each team in the general stage. So the schedule had to be changed significantly. Who can benefit from it? Traditionally, the strongest teams and leagues.
Fortunately, the weather was favorable. After a brief cold spell, milder temperatures are heading towards Belgrade. The match against PSV will take place in positive temperatures, but it remains to be seen in what condition the pitch will be, because traditionally the Serbian league begins in February, allowing the lawns to rest from the load.
Red Star
Crvena Zvezda players have completed their training in Antalya and are now focusing on the next match scheduled for Tuesday at the Rajko Mitic Stadium against PSV on the seventh day of the Champions League. In preparation for the encounter, the “Red and Whites” watched footage of their previous encounter with the same opponent during Champions League qualifying on August 11, 2004, when the Serbian team won 3-2. Watching this match should serve as extra motivation for the players, showing them that the Dutch team is not invincible. This shock will be decisive for the Serbs, because a victory is essential; otherwise, they certainly lose their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.
-In general, the Serbian club has minimal chances of finishing in the top 24, even if it manages to get two victories in the two remaining meetings. After 6 games, they only have 3 points. Dynamo Zagreb, which occupies 24th place, has 8 points. So, the Belgrade team not only has to win 2 matches, but also hope for unfavorable results in other matches. However, even if Crvena Zvezda ultimately does not reach the top 24 (which is the most likely outcome), they must strive for victories in order to secure substantial bonuses from UEFA, which will also depend on their final ranking in the overall phase of the Champions League.
PSV
A potential victory against Crvena Zvezda would almost guarantee PSV a place in the top 24. However, there is another crucial aspect. A draw or defeat in Serbia would mean the Dutch club would likely fail to qualify for the playoffs. The reason for this confidence is quite simple: on the last, 8th day, PSV will play at home against Liverpool. Even if the English team does not play its typical team (which is quite likely), this does not guarantee a victory for Peter Bosz’s team. Liverpool’s reserves will give it their all, looking to prove to Arne Slot that they deserve a starting place.
Currently, PSV has 8 points and occupies the 23rd position in the standings. However, competition is fierce. PSG and Stuttgart (both with 7 points) are just behind, facing each other on the final day. Therefore, there is no room for error. PSV must win. Unfortunately, now is not the best time to expect a confident triumph from the Dutch side, as Peter Bosz’s side are struggling, even suffering a defeat against league bottom side Zwolle , in Eredivisie (1-3).
Crvena Zvezda vs PSV: Predicted line-ups
Crvena Zvezda vs PSV: Author’s prediction
This will be a special match where I don’t see a clear favorite. The bookmakers are favoring the visitors, but the difficult pitch conditions and PSV’s current crisis are certainly not boosting confidence in the Dutch team. Both teams need to play to win, but PSV are far from their peak form, while Crvena Zvezda are yet to play any official matches this year. My optimal bet for this match is under 3 goals in total.
