1 September 2007, by Lorna Danion

Moreira nets crucial equaliser in red-hot Serbian derby

Partizan Belgrade 2-2 Red Star Belgrade

Almani Moreira scored a late equaliser as Partizan Belgrade maintained their unbeaten start to the season in a hugely entertaining derby against bitter city rivals Red Star.

The home side twice came from behind as a fantastic match, played in an electric atmosphere at the Partizan stadium, also saw two late red cards for Red Star, including the dismissal of Portuguese midfielder Joao Lucas.

The visitors went ahead after a little over half an hour, with midfielder Ognjen Koroman racing on to Nenad Milijas’ ball down the left, cutting inside and firing a shot past Darko Bozovic, sparking wild celebrations amongst the visiting supporters.

Montenegro striker Stevan Jovetic drew Partizan level midway through the second half. Former Beira-Mar forward Lamine Diarra received possession on the inside-right of the area and did well to pick Jovetic out from ten metres, and the 17-year-old smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

The home fans’ joy would be short-lived, however, as Koroman score his second less than ten minutes later. The Serbian international latched on to another Milijas throughball and, although Red Star goalkeeper Bozovic got a touch on the finish, he could not prevent Koroman putting his side back in front.

The goal was a crushing blow to Partizan, who went into the game having won six out of six at the start of the new season, as they look to reclaim the title they last won in 2005 but have since seen their arch rivals win the last two years running.

Moreira snatches leveller

The Partizan fans would go home happy, though, as Moreira popped up to snatch the equalising goal with less than eleven minutes remaining. Diarra was again the provider, showing great awareness to square the ball across goal for ex-Boavista man Moreira to sweep home from close range.

Koroman was sent off with two minutes remaining for Red Star, and he was soon followed by Portuguese midfielder Lucas, who had been substituted twenty minutes previous. The 27-year-old, who joined from Boavista during the summer, was presumably issued a red for his reaction to his team-mate’s dismissal.

The result means Partizan already have a 7-point lead from second place Vojvodina Novi Sad at the top of the Serbian Super Liga. Red Star, who have played a game less, could move into second in they win their game in hand, which would see them six points behind their rivals.

Miroslav Djukic (Partizan coach)

“This game showed that we can play some attractive football. Partizan imposed its football philosophy, its character. From minute one, we showed we are not out there to draw, we played some offensive football and I’m quite Ok with this draw.”

Milorad Kosanovic (Red Star coach)

“We controlled the game and dominated until the 77th minute and had a chance to win, missed five clear-cut chances. Still, when your opponent is of Partizan’s quality, you make inevitable mistakes. If you do it in the defensive third, you get punished.”

Partizan Belgrade:
Bozovic, Rukavina, Mihajlov, Sikimic (Rnic, 89), Lazevski, Juca (Mitrovic, 76), Lazic (Maletic, 82), Moreira, Tosic, Jovetic, Diarra
Yellow Cards: Juca

Red Star Belgrade:
Randjelovic, Basta, Tutoric, Gueye, Andjelkovic, Kastillo, Lucas (Bogdanovic, 72), Molina, Koroman, Milijas (Bajalica, 58), Jestrovic (Barkos, 82)
Yellow Cards: Koroman, Randjelovic
Red Cards: Koroman, Lucas

Goals:
[0-1] Koroman, 32
[1-1] Jovetic, 67
[1-2] Koroman, 76
[2-2] Moreira, 79