It’s a clash that might not spark global headlines, but it’s still one to watch—especially for fans tracking the road to the Champions League group stage. On July 22, Gibraltar’s Lincoln Red Imps host Serbian champions Crvena Zvezda in what looks to be one of the most one-sided matchups of the second qualifying round. Five years ago, Crvena Zvezda breezed past another Gibraltarian club, Europa FC, with a 5–0 win. Will Lincoln fare any better this time?
Lincoln Red Imps: Defense is the foundation
It’s been four long years since Lincoln reached this stage of the Champions League qualifiers. Their most successful European campaign came in 2021, when they made history as the first—and still only—Gibraltarian team to reach the group stage of the Europa Conference League. And this summer, they’ve made another strong start, edging past Vikingur from the Faroe Islands over two legs to move into the second qualifying round for the first time since 2021.
What stands out most about Lincoln is their disciplined defensive setup—especially at home. In the last three years, they’ve hosted nine European matches and conceded more than two goals just once. That’s a stat that’ll give them some confidence, even against a much stronger opponent.
Crvena Zvezda: Business as usual at home, steady in Europe
Back in Serbia, Crvena Zvezda continue to reign supreme. Not even eternal rivals Partizan have been able to mount a serious challenge in recent years. It’s been eight full seasons since Zvezda failed to win the domestic title, and they’ve started the new campaign right where they left off—with a commanding 4–0 win over Javor.
But it’s not just about domestic dominance. Under head coach Vladan Milojević, the Belgrade club has become a regular fixture in the Champions League proper, appearing in the group stage in each of the past two seasons. New signing Nayair Tiknizyan has already claimed a spot in the starting XI, suggesting the team’s ambitions remain sky-high. And let’s not forgetsites like ranksbet are already backing the Serbian side as one of the heaviest favorites in this round.
Probable Lineups
Lincoln Red Imps (4-3-3):
Santana – Nano, Muñoz, Rutjens, Garcia – Britto, López, Torilla – Villacañas, Gómez, De Barr
Head coach: Juan José Bezares
Unavailable: None reported
Crvena Zvezda (4-2-3-1):
Mateus – Solj, Milosavljević, Veljković, Tiknizyan – Elšnik, Krunić – Milson, Katai, Ivanić – N’Diaye
Head coach: Vladan Milojević
Unavailable: None reported
Referee: Damian Kos (Poland)
This will be only the third European club match for the Polish official. He’s yet to officiate a game involving either a Serbian or Gibraltarian side. Kos averaged 4.71 yellow cards and 25.45 fouls per game in the 2024/25 season, issuing 12 penalties and 9 red cards along the way.
Prediction: Lincoln Red Imps +2.5 Handicap @ 1.52
Crvena Zvezda are deserved favorites, and a home win for Lincoln seems highly unlikely. However, we don’t expect a blowout either. The Gibraltarians have won three straight home matches in European competition, and haven’t lost by more than two goals on their own turf since November 2021. Given that Zvezda are still ramping up for the season, Lincoln +2.5 looks like good value.
Total Goals: Under 3.5 @ 1.56
Don’t count on fireworks at the Europa Point Stadium. In the last four years, only once has a European match there seen more than three goals. A low-scoring affair seems likely again.
Correct Score: 0–2 @ 5.48
Crvena Zvezda haven’t scored more than twice in any of their last 27 European away fixtures. A professional, measured 0–2 win seems like a realistic outcome here.
