Crvena Zvezda 2–2 FC København | Europa Conference League | 22 October 2026

Result Summary

A dramatic evening at the Rajko Mitić Stadium ended in a 2–2 draw between Crvena Zvezda and FC København in the Europa Conference League. The Serbian hosts looked well-placed to secure all three points after turning around an early deficit, only for the Danish visitors to strike back in the second half and ultimately deny Albert Riera Ortega's side a deserved home victory.

Match Analysis

The match began poorly for Crvena Zvezda when Matej Gashtarov turned the ball into his own net in the 29th minute, gifting København a surprise lead. However, the hosts responded with real character in a remarkable five-minute spell before the break. Timi Max Elšnik levelled on 34 minutes, converting from a Vladimir Lučić assist with a composed left-foot finish, before Vasilije Kostov put Zvezda ahead just seven minutes later, turning home a right-foot effort set up by Mihailo Ristić.

The statistics underline Crvena Zvezda's overall dominance. They controlled 58% of possession, generated 122 attacks to København's 84, and registered 12 total shots compared to eight for the visitors. Their 88% successful pass rate also highlighted a confident, structured approach. Despite this clear control, converting chances remained a challenge — five shots on target from 12 total tells its own story.

Coach Bo Svensson used the half-time interval to reshape his side, introducing Viktor Bjarki Daðason and Ákos Markgráf. The latter proved an immediate influence, providing the assist for Maher Mauricio Carrizo's equaliser on 70 minutes — a well-taken left-foot shot that silenced the home crowd. The substitutions changed the dynamic of the game, and Crvena Zvezda were unable to restore their lead despite pressing forward.

The bookings added further texture to a feisty encounter. Junnosuke Suzuki was cautioned early for a foul, followed by Yuta Nakayama and Rade Krunić for Zvezda in the first half, before Hunor Vajk Németh was also shown yellow just before the break. The night ended in controversy when Stefan Gudelj received a red card in the 90+3rd minute for a professional foul as the last man — a moment that will have significant implications for Crvena Zvezda's upcoming fixtures.

Prediction Review

Our pre-match forecast projected a 2–1 home win, with a 44% probability assigned to a Crvena Zvezda victory. While the scoreline partially aligned — goals and attacking dominance were both anticipated — we underestimated Copenhagen's resilience and their ability to exploit moments of vulnerability, particularly after the break. The draw fell within the 26% probability window we had identified. With a confidence level of just 53/100, the uncertainty in this fixture was always notable, and the final outcome reflected that.

Key Takeaways

• Crvena Zvezda dominated statistically but were punished on the counter for failing to close out the match.
• Ákos Markgráf's impact from the bench for København was decisive — his assist for the equaliser came minutes after coming on at half-time.
• Gudelj's late red card is a significant blow, with the Serbian international now facing a suspension.
• For FC København, a point away from home represents a valuable result, particularly given they were outplayed for large periods.
• Riera Ortega's side will feel this was a game that got away from them, despite the clear statistical superiority.