Partizan Belgrade edged past Novi Pazar 2-1 in a tense Serbian Mozzart Bet Superliga encounter on May 3, 2026, keeping their title hopes alive with a hard-fought victory at home.

Match Overview

The clash at the Partizan Stadium saw the home side take control early but face a stern test from a resilient Novi Pazar outfit. With both teams needing points for different reasons – Partizan pushing for the league lead and Novi Pazar fighting to climb mid-table – the intensity was high from the opening whistle.

First Half – Partizan Strike First

Partizan came out aggressively, pressing high and forcing Novi Pazar into defensive errors. The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute when a slick passing move unlocked the visitors' backline. A precise cross from the right flank found the head of Partizan's striker, who nodded the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. Novi Pazar struggled to create clear chances in the first half, managing only one shot on target as Partizan's midfield dominated possession.

Second Half – Drama Unfolds

Novi Pazar came out with renewed energy after the interval, equalizing in the 58th minute through a well-worked counter-attack. A long ball over the top caught Partizan's defense off guard, and the away forward slotted home with composure to level the score at 1-1. The stadium fell quiet as the visitors celebrated, but Partizan responded with urgency.

The decisive moment came in the 74th minute. A corner kick was cleared only to the edge of the box, where a Partizan midfielder unleashed a powerful volley that deflected off a defender and into the net. The 2-1 lead gave the home side breathing room, and they managed the game well in the final stages, securing three crucial points.

Key Performers

• Partizan's goalscorer: The striker's early header set the tone and his movement troubled Novi Pazar all night.
• Novi Pazar's equalizer: A clinical finish that highlighted their threat on the break.
• Partizan's midfield: Controlled the tempo and provided the assist for the winning goal.

Table Impact

The win keeps Partizan firmly in the title race, piling pressure on the league leaders. For Novi Pazar, the defeat is a setback in their quest to secure a top-half finish, though they showed enough quality to suggest they will bounce back quickly in the coming rounds.