RED STAR RECORDS FIRST EUROPA LEAGUE WIN: Arnautović’s penalty sinks Lille at Marakana! (VIDEO)

Red Star Belgrade players recorded their first victory in the Europa League after defeating Lille 1–0 at home! The only goal in this match was scored by Marko Arnautović from the penalty spot in the 85th minute, after Mirko Ivanić was fouled.

This was a match filled with tension, as the red-and-whites were under pressure to win. They approached the game with utmost seriousness, which was evident from the opening minutes, playing carefully and with discipline.

Red Star was aware that the French side were favorites, but they did not allow that to affect them. On the contrary, they took the match very seriously and played with confidence and no sign of fear or respect for the opponent.

It was also clear that Red Star needed to chase points at home after two defeats in Portugal, which finally bore fruit.

Of course, there were attacks on both sides. Lille appeared to be a team capable of much but unwilling to risk, while Red Star showed the desire but struggled to break through the French defense—until the final five minutes when the penalty came.

Mirko Ivanić received a through ball, went for it at the same time as Lille’s goalkeeper, managed to push it forward, and forced the keeper to foul him inside the box. Marko Arnautović took the ball and calmly converted the penalty.

Hero status then went to goalkeeper Mateus, who made a crucial save in the 90th minute before Lille hit the crossbar.

Red Star knew they had little to lose in this match, which is why they attacked from the very start. They needed just four minutes to create their first big chance. Hendel crossed from a corner, Arnautović jumped high but the Lille goalkeeper managed to save it. The ball deflected and rolled near the goal line, then Ivanić sent in another cross. Elšnik tried to finish, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

These early attacks gave Red Star additional confidence, and they continued to press. Lille had to hold on for the opening seven minutes, struggling to catch their breath under Red Star’s relentless pressure at Marakana.

Red Star didn’t let up, and another chance came for Arnautović. The striker received a perfect pass into space, faced off with Lille’s center-back, feinted, and took a shot that was blocked—resulting only in a corner. After several missed opportunities, Lille created one of their own.

Red Star’s defense briefly lost focus, allowing Igaman a one-on-one chance against Mateus, but his lob went just wide. Soon after, Nemanja Radonjić received a yellow card, and Lille began to threaten more seriously.

The French side played intelligently, easily bypassing Red Star’s pressing. Broholm fired from the right in the 26th minute, but the shot went wide. Just two minutes later, Verdonk tried from the same side, sending the ball over the bar. The half then slowed down, with only one more chance for Lille before the break, when Igaman shot in the 44th minute, but Mateus saved comfortably.

Right after the start of the second half, Red Star had two big chances—similar to Arnautović’s early attempts. In the 51st minute, Tebo Uchena nearly became his team’s hero after catching a loose ball on the volley. His powerful shot struck the post, saving Lille. Just two minutes later, Tiknizjan had a chance after receiving a pass from Ivanić, but instead of crossing, he shot and hit only the side netting.

Igaman had another opportunity for Lille, but Mateus made the save. After dribbling past several Red Star defenders, Igaman fired, but the goalkeeper stood firm.

New chances didn’t come until the very end. In the 85th minute, Ivanić broke through on goal, was brought down by Lille’s goalkeeper, and Arnautović confidently scored from the penalty spot.

Lille had one last threat in the 90th minute, but Mateus stopped it, becoming the hero of the night.