Crvena Zvezda 2-2 Vojvodina: Serbian Cup Semifinal Ends in Dramatic Stalemate

Defending champions Crvena Zvezda were held to a 2-2 draw by Vojvodina Novi Sad in the first leg of the Serbian Cup semifinal on 14 May 2026 at the Rajko Mitić Stadium. The match featured end-to-end action, with both sides trading blows in a tightly contested affair.

Match Summary

Zvezda, expected to dominate on home soil, found themselves behind early. Vojvodina’s aggressive pressing and quick transitions exposed defensive gaps. The hosts rallied to take the lead through a brace from striker Aleksandar Pešić, but a late equaliser from the visitors leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of the second leg.

Scoring Highlights

• 12' – Vojvodina strike first: A corner was flicked on at the near post, and Milan Jokić volleyed home from close range.
• 35' – Pešić equalises: A deflected free kick fell kindly for the Serbian international, who smashed it into the roof of the net.
• 58' – Zvezda take the lead: Pešić again, this time latching onto a through ball and finishing coolly past the goalkeeper.
• 83' – Vojvodina level: Substitute Strahinja Jovančić fired a low drive from 20 yards into the bottom corner.

Tactical Analysis

Crvena Zvezda operated in a fluid 4-2-3-1, but their midfield was overrun at times. Vojvodina’s compact 4-4-2 shape forced errors, particularly in the first half. Zvezda full-backs pushed high, leaving space which Vojvodina exploited on the break.

Key Takeaways

• Vojvodina will be delighted with two away goals and now hold the advantage.
• Zvezda need to keep a clean sheet in the return leg in Novi Sad to avoid extra time.
• Crowd of 48,000 witnessed an intense atmosphere, with the ‘Marakana’ in full voice.

The second leg is scheduled for 21 May, with a place in the final against either Partizan or Čukarički at stake.