Partizan vs Crvena Zvezda

In the EuroLeague, Crvena Zvezda will host Partizan Belgrade on matchday 24. With only one victory separating them, the two teams are in the play-in spots.

One of the fiercest and most passionate rivalries in European football takes center stage as Partizan Belgrade faces Crvena Zvezda in the highly anticipated Eternal Derby. This fixture is more than just a game; it is a battle of pride, history, and supremacy in Serbian football. Both teams come into this match with strong ambitions, looking to assert their dominance in the league standings and gain bragging rights over their eternal rivals.

Partizan is playing very well. In every tournament, they have won six in a row. They have returned to the playoff bracket after three of those wins, all of which have occurred in Europe.

With a 12-11 record, Zeljko Obradovic's team has risen to 10th place in the standings. On matchday 23, the Serbian powerhouses trounced the visiting Paris team 92-86 at home.

They had scored at least 90 points in three straight European games. In November, Partizan won the rematch against Zvezda 89-77.

Although Crvena Zvezda has dominated this clash at home, this hasn't been the case in Europe. They have won eight of the last nine matches, with the only loss occurring in the EuroLeague.

Here, the men of Ioannis Sfairopoulos will be hoping to reproduce their domestic form. Zvezda has lost thrice in the last three matchdays and has recently faltered in Europe.

The Red and Whites just lost to lowly Maccabi 85-73 on the road. They fell to eighth place in the standings after their tenth defeat of the season. They risk dropping out of the top 10 with another defeat here.

Both teams have been in impressive form leading up to this encounter. Partizan, known for their disciplined defensive structure and quick counter-attacks, have been solid in the league, securing crucial victories in their recent fixtures. Key players such as Ricardo Gomes and Bibras Natcho have been instrumental in leading the attack and controlling the midfield. On the other hand, Crvena Zvezda, Serbia’s most successful club, have been equally dominant with their aggressive attacking style and well-organized defense. With star performers like Aleksandar Katai and Mirko Ivanić, they pose a serious threat to Partizan’s backline.

This match is expected to be a tactical showdown between two experienced managers who understand the significance of this rivalry. Partizan will likely adopt a compact defensive shape, relying on quick transitions to catch Zvezda off guard. Crvena Zvezda, on the other hand, will aim to control possession and create openings through their dynamic attacking play. The battle in midfield will be crucial, with both teams relying on their playmakers to dictate the tempo. Set-pieces could also play a decisive role, given the physicality and aerial ability of both sides.

Given the high stakes and quality on both sides, this promises to be a thrilling and closely contested battle. Partizan’s defensive solidity could prove crucial, but Zvezda’s attacking firepower might give them a slight edge. Expect a game filled with drama, passion, and moments of brilliance. A narrow 2-1 victory for Crvena Zvezda seems likely, but in a derby of this magnitude, anything can happen. No matter the outcome, football fans can expect a match filled with excitement and unrelenting intensity.