FK IMT Belgrad Snatch Narrow Win Over FK Čukarički in Serbian Superliga Opener

The 2026–27 Serbian Mozzart Bet Superliga season kicked off with a tightly contested encounter at the Stadion na Banovom brdu, where FK IMT Belgrad secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over home side FK Čukarički on 20 July 2026. Despite Čukarički enjoying the majority of possession, it was the visitors who proved more clinical in front of goal, taking all three points back to the capital.

Match Overview

The match, played under warm summer conditions in Belgrade, was a typical early‑season affair – cagey, physical, and punctuated by few clear‑cut chances. Čukarički, known for their structured build‑up play under coach Saša Ilić, struggled to break down a well‑organized IMT defence. Conversely, IMT Belgrad, a club that has steadily risen through the ranks in recent years, showed their trademark counter‑attacking threat.

Key Moments

• 32' – Decisive strike: The breakthrough came just past the half‑hour mark. IMT’s left‑winger, Milan Radonjić, latched onto a quick throw‑in, cut inside from the flank, and curled a precise shot from 20 yards into the far corner. Čukarički goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović got a hand to it but could not keep it out.
• 58' – Čukarički penalty appeal: The home side thought they had equalised when striker Stefan Kovač went down under a challenge in the box. Referee Miloš Pavlović waved play on, a decision that drew loud protests from the home bench.
• 74' – IMT survive late pressure: Čukarički pushed forward in the final quarter, with substitute Luka Đurić forcing a save from IMT keeper Aleksandar Kirovski. The visitors’ defence held firm, clearing a goal‑line scramble in the 87th minute.

Tactical Story

Čukarički dominated territory (62% possession) and completed nearly 500 passes, but their attacking final third lacked incision. IMT Belgrad, set up in a compact 4‑4‑2, pressed high in brief bursts and relied on rapid transitions. The game’s only goal came from exactly such a transition – a well‑executed break after a Čukarički corner was cleared.

Home manager Saša Ilić introduced two attacking changes at halftime, moving to a 3‑4‑3 shape, but the switch disrupted the team’s rhythm. IMT coach Marko Mićović, by contrast, made defensive substitutions early in the second half to protect the lead, bringing on experienced centre‑back Nemanja Ćosić to shore up the backline.

Standout Players

• Milan Radonjić (IMT): Scored the winner and was a constant menace cutting in from the left. His direct running and willingness to shoot from distance made him the difference on the night.
• Stefan Kovač (Čukarički): The home side’s main attacking outlet, he won several duels and created two chances, but was well marshalled by IMT’s central defensive pairing.
• Aleksandar Kirovski (IMT): The IMT goalkeeper made four comfortable saves, including a crucial one‑on‑one stop in the 65th minute against Marko Vuković.

Season Impact

The result gives FK IMT Belgrad an early boost in the Superliga standings, placing them provisionally in the top half of the table. For Čukarički, the defeat at home – where they typically are strong – will be a concern. Both sides will look to build momentum in the coming weeks: Čukarički travel to FK TSC next weekend, while IMT host FK Radnik Surdulica.

The match underlined the growing competitiveness of the Serbian top flight, where even traditional mid‑table sides like IMT can claim scalps on the road. With 37 rounds remaining, the opening fixture has already set a tone for what promises to be an unpredictable season.