Belgrade side on the verge of a formality: prediction for Crvena Zvezda vs Larne
The second leg of the Champions League second qualifying round between Crvena Zvezda and Larne will take place on July 29, 2026, at the Rajko Mitić Stadium in Belgrade. After a commanding 4-0 away victory, the Serbian club has all but put the tie to bed, but the hosts will be eager to underline the gulf in class with another high-scoring performance.
Crvena Zvezda: attack in full swing and showing no signs of slowing down
Dejan Stanković’s squad has launched their season at a blistering pace. In three official matches, the Red-and-Whites have struck 12 goals—thrashing Mačva 5-0, dispatching Vojvodina 3-1, and confidently dismantling Larne away from home.
Even with potential squad rotation, the hosts are unlikely to lose their cutting edge. Bruno Duarte already boasts six goal contributions, Vasilije Kostov is making a vivid impact, and the squad’s depth allows Stanković to shuffle his lineup without sacrificing quality.
Larne: only pride left to play for
In the first leg, the Northern Irish side failed to create any genuinely dangerous moments. After their Super Cup win and two victories over Tre Fiori, the gulf in class with the Serbian champions was all too evident.
Gary Haveron may opt for a two-striker setup, as a cautious approach is now redundant. However, Larne’s away record in European competition offers little encouragement: in nine of their last 16 away fixtures, they failed to score, and have only once managed more than a single goal.
Match facts and head-to-head
- The first leg ended with a 4-0 win for Crvena Zvezda.
- The Serbian club has netted 12 goals in three official matches this season.
- Larne have failed to score in nine of their last 16 away games in European competitions.
The hosts set to dominate again: Crvena Zvezda vs Larne prediction
Crvena Zvezda have a comfortable cushion and can afford to play with freedom, but it’s unlikely they’ll sit back at home. Their potent attack and a light fixture list allow the hosts to impose themselves once more.
Larne will surely try to play with more ambition and at least grab a consolation goal. That could open up the match, but the spaces left at the back should see the Serbian side rack up more goals in another commanding display.
