In the upcoming Europa League match, Red Star Belgrade will host FCSB at Stadion Rajko Mitic on Thursday. This encounter marks the fifth game of the 2025-26 Europa League campaign.
Match Overview
Currently, Red Star Belgrade sits 25th in the league phase table with four points. They are just one point away from securing a spot in the final round of 16 playoffs. FCSB, on the other hand, is struggling at 31st place with three points after suffering a defeat against Basel.
Recent Performances
- Red Star Belgrade’s latest match ended in a 1-0 victory over Lille, thanks to an 85th-minute penalty from Marko Arnautovic.
- In the domestic league, Red Star lost 1-0 to Javor but had previously enjoyed three wins and one draw in four matches.
- FCSB faced Basel without their goalkeeper Stefan Tarnovanu, who received a red card in the 12th minute.
FCSB has conceded seven goals in their last three matches, managing to score five. Their recent form has seen them go winless, and they currently sit 10th in the Romanian top flight with 21 points from 17 games.
Red Star Belgrade’s League Performance
Red Star is performing well in the Serbian league, sitting second with 35 points and trailing Partizan Beograd by two points. They also hold a game in hand, which could play a crucial role in the title race. Over their last six matches, they’ve scored nine goals while conceding seven, reflecting a mix of defensive solidity and attacking prowess.
Home Advantage
Playing at home, Red Star has maintained an unbeaten record in their last six outings at Stadion Rajko Mitic, winning four of those matches.
FCSB’s Challenges
FCSB has struggled in their European campaign, facing the highest number of shots among all teams in the Europa League. They must improve their defense if they wish to turn their fortunes around.
Team News
- Red Star’s injury list includes winger Shavy Babicka, likely allowing Nemanja Radonjic and Mirko Ivanic more playing time.
- Midfielders Rade Krunic and Timi Max Elsnik may earn starting roles due to their impressive performance against Lille.
- FCSB will be without Tarnovanu due to suspension, with Lukas Zima poised to take his place as goalkeeper.
Darius Olaru is expected to provide support to center-forward Daniel Birligea, along with midfielders Florin Tanase and Adrian Sut.
Predicted Lineups
Red Star Belgrade
| Matheus | Seol | Veljkovic | Tebo | Tiknizyan |
| Krunic | Elsnik | Radonjic | Handel | Ivanic |
| Arnautovic |
FCSB
| Zima | Pantea | Ngezana | Graovac | Radunovic |
| Tanase | Sut | Miculescu | Olaru | Thiam |
| Birligea |
Prediction
Red Star Belgrade is favored to win 1-0 against FCSB. The home advantage and solid overall form provide them a significant edge. In contrast, FCSB’s struggles may lead to another defeat in their European campaign.
