Liverpool stunned by Crvena Zvezda in Champions League
Published : 07 Nov 2018, 14:51
Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) recorded a shock 2-0 win over Liverpool in matchday four of the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League here on Tuesday night, marking their first victory at this level since 1992.
In front of a partisan crowd at the Rajko Mitic stadium, the Serbian champions started the Group C clash well, with midfielder Marko Marin forcing a save from Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker in the 10th minute.
Several minutes later Marin was at the heart of the action again, sending a dangerous pass into the Liverpool area that Vujadin Savic was unable to convert. Daniel Sturridge also had a great chance for the visitors in the 17th minute, but squandered his effort from within the six-yard box.
The home side were rewarded for their early pressure in the 23rd minute, when Marin's corner was headed in by Milan Pavkov.
The Serbian striker sent the home fans into raptures just six minutes later, when Liverpool lost possession and Pavkov was allowed to run with the ball before unleashing a powerful shot from distance to make it 2-0 at half-time.
The second half saw Liverpool take the game to their opponents to try and reduce the deficit, but the hosts defended stoutly and some excellent goalkeeping from Milan Borjan saw Red Star over the line to record a famous victory against last season's Champions League finalists, who have now lost their last three away matches in the competition.
The result leaves Group C finely poised after four matches. After a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli sit top with 6 points, level on points with Liverpool but ahead of the English side on head-to-head results. The French champions sit third with 5 points, with Red Star just behind on 4 points.
The Serbian champions' next match will be away at Napoli on November 28, when Liverpool will face a tough match away at Paris Saint-Germain.