The favorite will kick off their Champions League campaign with a win: prediction for Larne vs Crvena Zvezda
The first leg of the Champions League second qualifying round between Larne and Crvena Zvezda will take place on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Inver Park in Larne. The Northern Irish side has made history by clearing a Champions League qualifying round for the first time ever, defeating Tre Fiori twice, while the Serbian champions are just beginning their latest bid to reach the tournament's main stage.
Larne: a historic achievement and hope for a home goal
Larne’s previous two Champions League qualifying campaigns ended in disappointment, with exits against HJK and RFS. This season, however, the Northern Irish side finally claimed their first wins in the competition, overcoming the champions of San Marino with 1-0 and 2-1 victories.
Gary Haveron barely changed his starting eleven in the opening round, and the hosts have no fresh injuries or suspensions. Larne are well aware of the gulf in class and are unlikely to play too boldly, but the backing of the home crowd could help them avoid a heavy defeat and carve out a few dangerous chances.
Crvena Zvezda: powerful start to the season and serious ambitions
Crvena Zvezda kicked off the Serbian league campaign in style, thrashing Mačva 5-0. Eighteen-year-old Vasilije Kostov bagged a brace, and the coaching staff even left several key players on the bench, including Timi Elsnik, Aleksandar Katai, and Marko Arnautović.
The main personnel blow is the loss of Rade Krunić, who suffered a painful knock in the league match. However, the squad depth allows the Serbian side to aim for a convincing win even without their key midfielder. After last year's upset against Pafos, the Belgrade giants cannot afford to underestimate even a clearly inferior opponent.
Match facts and head-to-head stats
- Larne are unbeaten in their last six matches.
- Five of Larne’s last six games have seen no more than three goals scored.
- Crvena Zvezda started the new Serbian league season with a 5-0 victory over Mačva.
The Serbians will quickly assert their dominance: Larne vs Crvena Zvezda prediction
Larne will try to keep the score level for as long as possible and capitalize on rare counterattacking chances. At home, the Northern Irish side can put up a fight for stretches of the match, but sustaining the favorite’s pressure over ninety minutes will be a monumental task.
Crvena Zvezda clearly outclass their opponents in individual skill, squad depth, and European experience. Even with potential rotation, the Serbian champions should create enough chances, secure a comfortable lead, and all but settle the tie in the first leg.
