

IMT Novi Beograd U19 2-0 OFK Belgrade U19: Home Side Wins Belgrade Youth Derby in Serbian U19 League
IMT Novi Beograd U19 claimed bragging rights in the Belgrade youth derby with a 2-0 victory over OFK Belgrade U19 in the Serbian U19 League on 31 October 2026. The home side produced a controlled performance, scoring in each half to secure three important points and strengthen their position in the league table.
IMT Novi Beograd were the more assertive team from the opening whistle, pressing high and forcing OFK Belgrade into mistakes in their own half. The victory was built on a solid defensive foundation and a midfield that consistently won the second balls.
Match Overview
The first half was played at a high tempo, with IMT Novi Beograd looking to impose themselves on the derby. OFK Belgrade tried to stay compact and threaten on the break, but they struggled to keep possession for long periods. IMT's front players pressed aggressively, and the home side created the better chances before the interval.
After taking the lead, IMT managed the game well. They stayed patient in possession, drew OFK Belgrade forward, and found space behind the defence in the second half. OFK Belgrade improved after the break but could not find a way back into the contest.
Key Moments
- IMT Novi Beograd opened the scoring midway through the first half after a sustained spell of pressure, with a low finish from inside the penalty area.
- OFK Belgrade's best chance of the first half came from a free kick, but the IMT goalkeeper dealt with the effort comfortably.
- Early in the second half, IMT doubled their advantage with a well-worked move that ended in a composed finish past the OFK goalkeeper.
- OFK Belgrade pushed players forward late on, but IMT's defence held firm to preserve the clean sheet and the derby win.
Tactical Story
IMT Novi Beograd's high press was the defining tactical feature of the match. Their forwards closed down OFK Belgrade's centre-backs, forcing long balls that IMT's midfielders were usually first to recover. That allowed the home side to sustain attacks and keep OFK Belgrade pinned back.
OFK Belgrade's plan relied on quick transitions and set pieces. They had moments of promise, particularly when their wide players found space, but they lacked the final pass in the attacking third. IMT's compact midfield protected the back four well and limited clear chances for the visitors.
Standout Players
IMT Novi Beograd's midfielder was the engine of the team, breaking up play and distributing the ball with intelligence. The centre-forward also impressed, leading the line with physicality and taking the second goal with real composure. At the back, the centre-back pairing dealt confidently with OFK Belgrade's late pressure.
For OFK Belgrade, the goalkeeper made several saves to keep the scoreline respectable, while the captain tried to drive the team forward from midfield. Despite the defeat, there were positives in their second-half response.
Table Impact
The 2-0 win gives IMT Novi Beograd U19 three valuable points in the Serbian U19 League standings and adds local momentum ahead of their next fixtures. The clean sheet will be especially pleasing for the coaching staff, as it underlined the team's defensive discipline in a heated derby.
OFK Belgrade U19 will look to regroup quickly after a difficult evening. The result leaves them with work to do in the league, but their second-half spell suggests they can respond in the coming weeks.