Crvena zvezda — Copenhagen: Serbian character versus Danish discipline
On October 22, 2026, Crvena zvezda will host Copenhagen in the second round of the Conference League league phase. The match will take place at the Rajko Mitić Stadium in Belgrade, with kick-off scheduled for 18:45 CET. Both teams are aiming to progress further in the competition, making the points in this clash especially valuable.
For the Serbian club, this is a chance to recover from a disappointing start, while the Danes arrive in high spirits after a convincing victory on matchday one.
Crvena zvezda: time to step up
The Belgrade side began its European campaign with a 3-2 defeat to Lugano. The team scored twice away from home but conceded three goals and came away empty-handed. The result left a bitter taste: the attack showed it could cause problems for the opposition, but the defense failed to withstand the pressure.
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Now Crvena zvezda will have the backing of its home crowd, and that is a major factor. The Belgrade faithful know how to create an atmosphere in which it is difficult for visiting teams to even start the match calmly. The hosts must harness that momentum, compete aggressively and prevent the Danes from keeping possession for long spells.
At the same time, throwing bodies forward without caution would be a mistake. Copenhagen knows how to punish open spaces, and after five goals in its first two matches of the tournament, it is particularly important for the Serbs not to turn this into an open exchange of attacks.
Copenhagen: confidence after a flying start
The Danes began the league phase exactly as they wanted, beating Braga 3-0 at home. A clean-sheet victory over a serious opponent is a strong argument in the visitors' favor. The team not only collected three points but also showed that it can make the most of its chances.
In Belgrade, Copenhagen is unlikely to enjoy such a comfortable evening. The Serbian home support could significantly alter the nature of the contest, so the visitors will need composure. If Copenhagen can weather the early onslaught, use the ball intelligently and exploit the open spaces, its chances of securing a positive result will be very real.
The visitors' main task is not to become so attack-minded that they leave the hosts opportunities for quick breaks. Still, after beating Braga, the Danes have every reason to believe in their own game.
On paper, this looks like a fairly even contest, although the first-round results tilt the balance slightly toward Copenhagen. The Danes won by three goals, while the Serbs suffered defeat in a high-scoring game. However, those results should not be transferred directly to the upcoming match: the Belgrade factor could change a great deal.
I expect Crvena zvezda to start aggressively, with the visitors looking to respond through well-organized attacks. If the hosts make defensive mistakes again, the Danes will certainly try to capitalize. At the same time, the Serbian club has chances to score as well, especially if it can put pressure on the opposition penalty area.
The Belgrade side can raise its level with the support of the stands, but the Danes' current confidence makes them an extremely awkward opponent.
My prediction: both teams to score - yes.
