Red Star Belgrade is set to challenge SC Braga in the Europa League, with coach Vladan Milojevic emphasizing a tailored tactical approach to secure crucial points and boost the team’s European standing.
Coach Milojevic specifically highlighted Ricardo Horta as SC Braga’s “main figure,” stressing the need for his team to pay “a lot of attention” to the forward. He acknowledged Braga’s overall quality but singled out Horta’s influence.
Milojevic described Braga as a “different opponent” compared to FC Porto, whom Red Star faced previously. He noted that Braga plays “differently,” indicating a revised strategic approach for the upcoming match.
The Serbian coach expressed confidence in his squad, stating that “the players want to give their maximum” and that the team has the “capacity to do more and better” than their current European performance.
Rodrigão, a 30-year-old central defender for Red Star, echoed the strategic thinking. He differentiated Braga’s “more collective game” from Porto’s “individual talent,” believing Red Star possesses “strong points to exploit and create danger.”
For Rodrigão, the match carries personal significance. He played for Gil Vicente in Portugal from 2019 to 2021 and has never defeated SC Braga in his previous attempts.
“Braga is very close to where I lived; tomorrow is an opportunity to win for the first time in this stadium,” Rodrigão told reporters.
Red Star Belgrade currently has only one point in the Europa League group stage. This point came from a draw with Celtic, following a defeat to FC Porto three weeks prior.
The team’s European struggles contrast with their strong domestic league performance, where they are consistently accumulating points.
Red Star goalkeeper Matheus is also expected to experience an “emotion” returning to a venue that was his home for nearly 11 years, according to coach Milojevic.
Milojevic broadly noted Portugal’s consistent presence in major competitions and its production of some of the world’s best players, setting a high benchmark for the upcoming encounter.