Aussies Abroad: Degenek’s Red Star held in Champions League qualifier

Milos Degenek’s Red Star Belgrade have work to do to progress in UEFA Champions League qualifying after being held to a draw in their first leg against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday morning (AEST).

Playing at home, the Serbian side had to settle for a 1-1 draw against the Danish champions, leaving them plenty of work to do in next week’s second leg.

AUSSIES ABROAD: Mooy tops stat but Huddersfield fall on opening weekend
PREMIERS: Wilkshire leads Wollongong Wolves to first Premiership in 31 years

Red Star led 1-0 at the break thanks to a goal from star striker Milan Pavkov, the man who scored both goals in their famous win over eventual champions Liverpool in last season’s competition.

With Caltex Socceroo Degenek marshalling Red Star’s defence, the hosts seemed comfortable until conceding an equaliser six minutes from time.

Degenek played the full 90 minutes for his side against Copenhagen
Degenek played the full 90 minutes for his side against Copenhagen

Midfielder Dusan Jovancic fouled Copenhagen substitute Mas Jaume in the penalty area, allowing Jonas Wind to coolly convert the spot-kick.

It means Red Star will definitely need to score and get a positive result in the second leg at Copenhagen’s Telia Parken next Wednesday morning (AEST).

Before that they shift focus to the domestic league with a home clash against Lyngby on Saturday morning (kick-off 2am AEST).

READ: Joey Barton's Harry Souttar masterplan pays off after four minutes
AUSSIES ABROAD: Lightning strikes twice for Mabil and Midtjylland 

There could be a couple more Caltex Socceroos in Champions League qualifying action on Thursday, including defender Aziz Behich.

His Istanbul Basaksehir are at home in the first leg for their tie against Greek giants Olympiakos.

Meanwhile, Tom Rogic and Daniel Arzani's Celtic are in Romania for thier clash against Cluj.

GetOnside AusBid2023 Limitless Banner
Visit page
This article was originally published on the Socceroos website.
Close