Crvena Zvezda 2-1 Inter Club d’Escaldes: Red Star Fight Back to Claim Conference League Win

Crvena Zvezda recovered from an early setback to beat Inter Club d’Escaldes 2-1 in their UEFA Europa Conference League clash at the Rajko Mitić Stadium on 6 November 2026. The Serbian giants had to show patience and character after falling behind to the Andorran side, but a second-half winner ensured they took all three points from a tricky European night in Belgrade.

The result keeps Crvena Zvezda firmly in the conversation for knockout-phase qualification in the Conference League standings, while Inter Club d’Escaldes leave with credit after a disciplined and courageous away performance. For long spells, the visitors frustrated their more decorated hosts with a compact defensive block and threatened on the counter-attack.

Match Overview

Crvena Zvezda controlled the ball from the opening minutes, pushing Inter Club d’Escaldes deep into their own half. The home side built patiently through midfield, looking to isolate their wide attackers and create space around the penalty area. Inter, however, were well organised and defended with numbers behind the ball, making it difficult for Red Star to find clean sights of goal.

The opening goal came against the run of play. Inter Club d’Escaldes won a corner in the 18th minute and stunned the home crowd when Sergi Moreno reacted quickest inside the box, turning the ball home after a flick-on at the near post. That strike gave the Andorran champions a shock lead and forced Crvena Zvezda to raise the tempo.

Red Star responded with sustained pressure and equalised four minutes before half-time. Cherif Ndiaye held the ball up well on the edge of the area before laying it into the path of Mirko Ivanić, who guided a low finish beyond the goalkeeper. The goal settled the hosts and changed the mood inside the stadium before the interval.

Key Moments

• 18th minute: Inter Club d’Escaldes take a surprise lead through Sergi Moreno after a well-worked corner routine.
• 41st minute: Mirko Ivanić equalises for Crvena Zvezda after a sharp link-up with Cherif Ndiaye.
• 67th minute: Ndiaye scores the winner, heading in from close range after a measured cross from the right.
• 84th minute: Inter’s goalkeeper Josep Gómes makes a strong save to deny Red Star a third goal on the break.

The decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute. Crvena Zvezda moved the ball quickly from midfield to the right flank, and the resulting cross found Cherif Ndiaye between two defenders. The striker powered a header past Gómes to complete the turnaround and send the home supporters into celebration.

Inter Club d’Escaldes did not fold after conceding. They pushed men forward in the final 15 minutes and won a handful of set pieces, but Crvena Zvezda managed the closing stages professionally, keeping possession and limiting clear chances. The Serbian side’s experience in European competition showed in the way they slowed the game down and protected their narrow advantage.

Tactical Story

Crvena Zvezda lined up with an attacking shape designed to dominate territory, using their full-backs high and their midfielders close to the front line. The main challenge was breaking down an Inter side that defended with a deep back line and compact midfield. Red Star’s best moments came when they switched play quickly and attacked the space between the visitors’ wing-back and centre-back.

Inter Club d’Escaldes deserve praise for their organisation. They defended in a low block, stayed patient, and looked to spring forward through direct passes and set pieces. Their early goal was a reward for that approach, but the physical demands of chasing the ball for long periods eventually told. Red Star’s superior squad depth and ability to change the tempo in the second half proved decisive.

Standout Players

Mirko Ivanić was central to Crvena Zvezda’s comeback, linking midfield and attack and scoring the crucial equaliser. Cherif Ndiaye delivered a complete centre-forward performance, holding up play, occupying both centre-backs, and scoring the winner. On the other side, Inter goalkeeper Josep Gómes produced several important saves and kept the scoreline respectable, while Sergi Moreno took his goal well and worked tirelessly in attack.

Season Impact

For Crvena Zvezda, the three points are valuable in the Conference League league phase and reinforce their home strength in European competition. A win after falling behind also gives the squad confidence ahead of the remaining fixtures. For Inter Club d’Escaldes, the perfor