On Wednesday, July 29, at the Marakana Stadium in Belgrade, Red Star Belgrade hosts Lincoln Red Imps for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round. After a narrow 1-0 away win in the first leg, the Serbian side only needs a draw or another win to advance. It’s a different story for the champions of Gibraltar, who will need a massive upset: they must win by at least two goals in Belgrade to continue their European journey. Vladan Milojevic’s side are the clear favourites not only to win this tie but also to reach the group stage of the 2025/26 Champions League. Red Star come off a dominant domestic campaign, securing the league title with 100 points and scoring 123 goals. However, they disappointed on the European stage last season, exiting the unique group phase of the Champions League with just six points in eight matches. Lincoln Red Imps, meanwhile, got past Faroese side Víkingur in the first qualifying round with a 4-2 aggregate win. However, they failed to make home advantage count in the first leg against Red Star. The champions of Gibraltar head to the Marakana knowing they’ll need something extraordinary to overturn the result — a scenario similar to last season, when their Champions League journey also ended in the second round.

Red Star Belgrade's Recent Form and Key Stats

Red Star have started their 2025/26 season in strong fashion, picking up three straight wins — the latest being a 7-1 thrashing of OFK Belgrade in Serbian SuperLiga matchday two. Milojevic’s side have averaged four goals per game so far this season while conceding just once, highlighting both their attacking firepower and defensive solidity.

The Serbian champions were unbeaten at home last season, cruising to the league title with 100 points — 27 ahead of rivals Partizan. At home, they scored an average of 3.4 goals per game in the league, asserting clear dominance over all their opponents. Their last home defeat came back on January 21, when they lost 2-3 to PSV Eindhoven in the 2024/25 Champions League group stage.

Lincoln Red Imps' Recent Form and Key Stats

After securing their domestic league title, Lincoln RI began their Champions League qualification campaign in July. They did well in the first round by eliminating Víkingur with a 4-2 aggregate win. However, they started the second round poorly, losing 1-0 at home to Red Star — despite playing the entire second half with a man advantage due to the Serbian side going down to 10 men.

Away from home, the champions of Gibraltar were nearly flawless in last season’s domestic league, recording 11 wins and 2 draws. Bezares' men scored an average of 2.92 goals per game on the road while conceding just two goals in 13 away fixtures. These numbers reflect their dominance in the Gibraltar National League, but they must be taken in context with the overall lower level of the competition.

Red Star vs Lincoln Red Imps Prediction and Tactical Overview

The prediction for Red Star vs Lincoln Red Imps clearly favours the home side, who according to statistical models have a 64% chance of winning, compared to just 16% for the visitors.

Red Star showed their superiority in the first leg, managing to secure the win despite playing with ten men after right-back Seol was sent off in the 41st minute — he will be suspended for the return leg. The Serbian side also bring valuable international experience, having participated in last season’s UCL group stage, and will benefit from home advantage.

Given their average of more than three goals scored in home matches last season and the recent 7-1 hammering of OFK Belgrade, it’s very likely Red Star will look to put this game beyond doubt early. In-form players such as Duarte, Ivanic, and Katai — all of whom scored recently — could be key figures in a potential goal-fest.

As for Lincoln RI, while they are a dominant force domestically, they still lack the experience and quality needed to compete with a club of Red Star’s European pedigree. A heavy defeat seems the most probable outcome.

• Red Star vs Lincoln RI Prediction by BetMines: Red Star to win (1) – 64%
  
  
• Red Star vs Lincoln RI Prediction by BetMines: Over 2.5 goals – 65%

Probable Line-ups Red Star vs Lincoln Red Imps

RED STAR BELGRADE (4-2-3-1): Matheus; Stojkovic, Prado, Veljkovic, Tiknizyan; Elsnik, Krunic; Milson, Katai, Ivanic; Duarte. Coach: Vladan Milojevic

LINCOLN RED IMPS (4-2-3-1): Santana; Munoz, B. Lopes, Rutjens, Nano; Torrilla, Toni; Morales, Barr, Britto; Gomez. Coach: Juan Bezares