Crvena zvezda revitalized by Albert Riera and Timi Max Elšnik

Following their disappointment and exit from the Champions League qualifiers, Serbia's top club Crvena zvezda has replaced coach Dejan Stanković with Albert Riera. Based on the first match in the fourth round of Europa League qualifiers, the club appears to have chosen wisely. Crvena zvezda decisively defeated Czech team Viktoria Plzeň 3-0. The arrival of the Spanish coach has also energized Slovenian international Timi Max Elšnik, who was instrumental in the convincing win, providing assists for the first two goals scored by Marko Ivanić.

Belgrade's team now faces a mere formality in the return leg to secure advancement to the Europa League. The competition will also feature Slovenian players from Jagiellonia, who thrashed Georgian side Iberia 4-0. Nik Prelec played until the 80th minute, while Dušan Stojinović remains injured. Jure Balkovec played the full match but his team, Omonia, lost 0-1 in Belgium against St. Truiden.

Albert Riera is now just one match away from leading the Serbian giant into the Europa League. However, the first match in the last qualifying round for the Conference League did not go well for Rijeka and former Slovenian selector Matjaž Kek, who lost 0-2 in Denmark against Midtjylland. Borac from Banja Luka took a significant step towards the Conference League with a 3-1 victory in Iceland against Vikingur, though Sandi Ogrinec did not get a chance to play.

Gornik Zabrze lost 2-3 at home to Monaco, with Erik Janža playing the entire game. After a 2-2 home draw against Hradec Kralove and without Adam Gnezda Čerin on the field, Panathinaikos will aim to salvage their European autumn in the Czech Republic. Rijeka, under Matjaž Kek's guidance, was outplayed in Denmark.