Albert Riera and Crvena zvezda miss out on Champions League spot

Albert Riera's Crvena zvezda has been eliminated from the Europa League qualifiers after a stunning second-leg collapse against Viktoria Plzeň. The Serbian club, which held a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg in Belgrade, squandered their advantage and ultimately lost the playoff on penalties.

The turning point in the match came in the 50th minute when Osman Bukari received a red card, leaving Crvena zvezda with ten men. Viktoria Plzeň capitalized on the numerical advantage, equalizing in the 95th minute through a penalty, forcing the match into extra time. The decisive goal came in the 96th minute, sealing a 5-4 aggregate victory for the Czech side.

As a result of this defeat, Crvena zvezda will now participate in the Europa Conference League for the autumn European season. This outcome is a significant disappointment for the club and its supporters, who had aspirations of competing in the more prestigious Europa League.

Despite Crvena zvezda's elimination, several Slovenian players have secured spots in European club competitions. Nik Prelec, playing for Jagiellonia, and Jure Balkovec, with Omonia, advanced to the Europa League. Sandi Ogrinec, representing Borac Banja Luka, will compete in the Europa Conference League. Meanwhile, Erik Janža's Gornik Zabrze and Rijeka, managed by Matjaž Kek, were eliminated in their respective qualifying rounds.