Announcement of the semifinals of the Serbian Cup, Red Star – Partizan

The time has come for a new showdown between the eternal rivals. From 19:00, at the same place (read Maracana), the players of Crvena zvezda and Partizan will once again measure their strength, this time in the semi-final match of the Cup. Just four days ago, in the first game of the Superliga playoffs, the red and white team won 3:2, increasing their lead to 10 points and coming within reach of the championship title. The current champion is also the owner of the double crown, and according to announcements, he does not want to drop the Cup trophy this season. Can the “steamroller” fight back?

Honestly, in our opinion – difficult. There are several reasons for such thinking. Star is in a great moment, the championship crown is close, and the winds blowing from “Maracana” indicate that, after the victory in the last derby and the increase in the points difference, the red-white crowd wants everything and – now. As things stand, it is not written (again) Partizan well in our biggest stadium, and here are five reasons why…

A star at the peak of self-confidence

When I blow and blow fire – I will bring down your house. It seems that the first team members of Zvezda are hungry like wolves and puffed up with confidence to the maximum. And how will it not be… Let’s repeat, they celebrated in the previous derby, they showed that they can turn things around even against their biggest rival, even though they lost twice. With a dozen Lufta in their pocket, aware that the defense of the title is certain, now the star players want to preserve the Cup trophy as well. And they have every right to hope for a good epilogue. If nothing else, on those wings of ecstasy after the triumph in the 173rd eternal derby – they finished half the job and before the temptation in the Cup.

The energy of Duljaj (and the team) is on the way down

He steered with excitement, crazy energy, and even a race Igor Dulyaj black and white in most games this season. It is safe to say that Partizan has relied on three pillars until now. Duljaj, who radiated nuclear energy, goalkeeper Jovanović (who was injured before the previous derby), as well as the players’ awareness that they are left to their own devices and that the club, instead of being above them, is actually below them.

On the eve of the 173rd derby, a clinch took place between Igor Duljaj, who did not lead the match due to four yellow cards, and an assistant in the coaching staff, Alberta Nadja. Nađ did not want to lead the team in the derby, but after the intervention of general manager Miloš Vazura (and who knows whose), he agreed. And the matter settled down. And yet, it seems to us that it is only apparent. When a glass is broken, we can patch it up, but it will never be the same again. The energy of the coach and the team is on a downward trajectory… Not to mention the fact that the black and whites threatened not to play the semi-finals of the Cup, as they were dissatisfied with the refereeing in the 173rd derby. Partizan did not even hold a press conference before the match, which further speaks of the moment in which the “steamroller” is.

Zvezda’s plus – better staff and a longer bench

Crvena Zveda has a better team than Partizan, there is no doubt about that. Maybe black and white have a more effective striker, we think Saldanjebut that seems to be where every story ends, as far as benefits go.

The goalkeepers are there somewhere (the question is whether Jovanović will return for the duel in the Cup), the defense is the weakest part of the black and white, while the red and white stoppers are better, but the backs are a pain. Furthermore, towards the peak, mostly everything is on Zvezda’s side. Admittedly, we must also mention the unpleasant Zahid, the strange-looking Severin, let’s repeat Saldanja, at the “steamroller” mill. On the other hand, Ivanić, Hwang, Bukari, even Kanga… It looks better, however, compared to the opponent.

But there is also a bench. It is of exceptional importance. Crvena zvezda is of better quality in that segment as well, its bench is certainly “longer”. This was also seen in the last match between the eternal rivals. Come in Cathay and unfolded everything, practically brought victory. And Olajinka…

Anointed Miloje must have scanned everything

It must be admitted that Zvezda has a more experienced coach. Unlike Igor Dulyaj, Vladan Milojević he also knows how titles are won in the Super League, participates in the Champions League, the Europa League… In addition, he has a longer tenure as an independent coach.

He likes to play hard, for results, and after his return to the Maracana, he had enough time to scan all the team’s flaws.

He managed to level everything and from what he found, which is Partizan in first place with a point advantage, he made a turnaround and it was more than convincing. The anointed Miloje must have learned lessons from the last clash of the “eternals”. In short, because of all the above, he has an advantage over his colleague.

Statistics are like bikinis… Or are they not?

Someone once said that in football “statistics are like bikinis – they reveal everything, but show nothing”. By God, that is not the case in the case of Zvezda, that is, the 173rd eternal derby. And what could we see after the end of the last derby? Well, everything is key – in favor of Red Star. Pay attention:

Possession of the ball 78 against 22 percent in favor of Zvezda! Total shots, Red Star 24, Partizan four. The red and white made 75 dangerous attacks, and the black and white 45. Corners were on Partizan’s side, 6:1. But let’s also note that the black and white goalkeeper had, in addition to the three conceded goals, also five saves. So the matter is clear. Zvezda outplayed Partizan statistically in every segment, which should not be underestimated. What more…

Milojević before the semi-finals of the Cup: I don’t care about the stories about Partizan, we are getting ready for the game

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