Kick-off: 21:00 (CET)
Date: July 29, 2025
Venue: Rajko Mitić Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia
Champions League Qualifier Showdown: Crvena zvezda vs Lincoln Red Imps
Tonight at 21:00 CET, Serbian giants Crvena zvezda welcome Gibraltar champions Lincoln Red Imps to the Rajko Mitić Stadium in Belgrade for a one-sided but possibly exciting UEFA Champions League qualifying game.
Although the odds are astronomically in the Serbian giant's favor, this is an opportunity for Lincoln Red Imps to test their mettle and gain some valuable European experience.
Head-to-Head (H2H Stats)
This is the first official meeting between Lincoln Red Imps and Crvena zvezda in European competition.
Crvena zvezda boast plenty of European experience to call upon, having won the European Cup in 1991, but Lincoln Red Imps are most famous for their shock 1-0 win against Celtic in 2016 – evidence that upsets can and do happen.
Team Form & Key Players
Crvena zvezda (SRB)
- Recent Form: WWWWD
- Key Players to Watch:
- Jean-Philippe Krasso – clinical forward with a reputation for scoring.
- Hwang In-beom – controls the tempo and dictates the midfield.
- Milan Rodić – defensive strength and overlapping runs.
Crvena zvezda enters this match buoyed after a dominant domestic season and an unbeaten pre-season campaign. With the backing of their home supporters, they will look to control possession and seek to press early.
⚫ Lincoln Red Imps (GIB)
- Recent Form: WDLLW
- Key Players to Watch:
- Kian Ronan – key in transition and organization at the back.
- Liam Walker – Gibraltar's most capped midfielder.
- Roy Chipolina – the captain and emotional leader of the team.
Lincoln Red Imps are a semi-professional outfit but have consistently punched above their weight in the qualifying rounds of European competition. They can be anticipated to defend deep and try to break on the counter.
Tactical Preview
Crvena zvezda will likely play a high-press 4-2-3-1 with an emphasis on wing play and interchanges. Lincoln Red Imps will more likely than not start in a compact 5-4-1 to attempt to frustrate and limit goal-scoring chances.
Match Prediction
- Crvena zvezda 4-0 Lincoln Red Imps
With the vast gulf in quality and home ground, Crvena zvezda should win easily and take a commanding lead into the second leg.
How to Watch
- Live Broadcast: Available on UEFA.tv for certain territories.
- Streaming: Some local broadcasters and betting websites may stream the match live.
Final Thoughts
Although on paper this tie may seem straightforward, it's a big night for both sides. For Crvena zvezda, it's about maintaining European momentum and stature. For Lincoln Red Imps, it's another chapter in their underdog tale – and a nice chance to bask in the limelight on a bigger stage.
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