Get ready for a battle of Champions League overachievers on Thursday as Red Star Belgrade host Young Boys! Neither of these underdog teams were given much chance in their opening games against heavy favorites Man City and RB Leipzig. But both earned plenty of respect with their spirited efforts.

Red Star gave star-studded Man City an almighty scare in Manchester, even taking a shock 1-0 halftime lead! With bold pressing and defending, little Red Star frustrated City for long periods before eventually succumbing to City's world class quality. What an amazing effort!

Meanwhile, Young Boys also impressed against Bundesliga side Leipzig in Switzerland. Brave pressing and fast attacks saw them lead early before Leipzig fought back to win 2-1. But just like Red Star, plucky Young Boys gained so much confidence taking it to one of Europe's top teams.

FK Crvena Zvezda vs Young Boys

The match will take place on Thursday, 5th October, 2023, at Stadion Rajko Mitić

Red Star Shock City With Bold Strategy

With City expected to dominate, few gave Red Star any chance at the intimidating Etihad Stadium. But the Serbian side had other ideas, taking the game to City early on.

Red Star pressed high up the pitch in the opening exchanges, penning City back unexpectedly. Their brave start suggested an upset could be brewing.

Bukhari Capitalizes on Rare Chance

While City controlled possession and territory, Red Star defended heroically while awaiting their moment. It arrived on the stroke of halftime through Bukari's ice-cool finish.

A rare counter attacking opportunity was clinically converted by Red Star's standout talent. City were left stunned, Red Star dreaming of a famous win.

Resistance Finally Broken

Despite the shock lead, Red Star coach Dejan Stankovic knew City would come roaring back. His tiring defenders could only withstand the blue tidal wave for so long.

Alvarez punished rare slack marking to level things up. From there, City's individual brilliance came to the fore against Red Star's eventually overwhelmed defense.

Gallant Effort Ends in Defeat

Red Star deserves immense credit for their courageous approach and spirited effort throughout. Their superb defensive organization and structure constantly frustrated City.

In the end, the gulf in squad depth and quality told as City's ruthless finishing sealed the result. But Red Star leave with heads held high.

Red Star's Pragmatic, Defensive Style

Red Star typifies pragmatism over flair in their tactical setup. Remaining compact and narrow when out of possession is the priority.

Sitting deep in a rigid block, Red Star congest central areas and force opponents wide. Their defensive organization presents a frustrating wall to break down.

Direct Counterattacking

When possession is won, Red Star look to transition swiftly, feeding direct passes into pacey forwards like Bukari. The aim is catching opponents off guard before they can recover defensively.

Rather than build slowly, Red Star plays vertically in search of openings. Pouncing on transition moments is their offensive lifeblood due to less possession.

Uncompromising Toughness

Red Star's success is built on collective determination and sacrifice. The team's unrelenting work rate and grit sets the tone.

The Serbian side competes with pride and toughness ingrained in their culture. Red Star makes opponents fight for every inch in an intensely physical battle.

Young Boys Push Leipzig All the Way

Almost straight from kickoff, Young Boys executed a high press to perfection and snatched a shock lead through in-form striker Camara. The Young Boys fans were in dreamland!

It was the perfect start for the Swiss underdogs. Now the question was could they hold out for a famous upset?

No Fear as Minnows Take Game to Giants

Rather than sit back nervously, Young Boys continued taking the game to esteemed Leipzig after scoring. Their energetic pressing and brave attacks troubled Leipzig.

The Swiss champions played on the front foot with courage and ambition from the first whistle. Leipzig were rattled for long stretches by Young Boys' intensity.

Red Card Turns Tide Against Tiring Visitors

Young Boys' gutsy efforts took a toll though, and Leipzig eventually wrest back control. To make matters worse, Young Boys went down a man from a second yellow card just after halftime.

Despite determined resistance late on, the red card left the tiring visitors down and out. But Young Boys leave with huge credit.

Young Boys' Spirit and Composure

Despite their modest resources, Young Boys make up for it through exceptional team spirit and togetherness on the field. The players fight as one.

Their underdog mentality serves as motivation against more talented opponents. Young Boys battle for their club, their fans, and their city with pride.

Calm Under Pressure

For all their youthful exuberance, Young Boys also maintain composure beyond their years. They play poised possession football when allowed.

Even against top sides, Young Boys keep discipline and balance. Remaining calm is vital to frustrate and pick spots to counter against elite clubs.

Pragmatic Approach

Young Boys are adaptable in their tactical approach. They press high at times but also sit deep and defend as needed.

Remaining hard to beat is the priority before catching teams off guard on the break. Versatility helps Young Boys pull surprises.

Predicted Lineups

FK Crvena Zvezda XI: Glazer, Dragovic, Miljailovic, Degenk, Mitrovic, Kangwa, Stamenic, Krasso, Bukari, Lucic, Olayinka

BSC Young Boys XI:  Racioppi, Benito, Amenda, Camara, Jnako, Niasse, Imeri, Riener, Ugrinic, Nsame, Elia

Key Battles

When Red Star and Young Boys now meet in Serbia, we can expect an open contest between two underdogs with nothing to lose. Both will go all out trying to claim a vital 3 points after admirable defeats last time out.

Red Star's talented striker Bukari could pose problems for Young Boys' defense with his pace and direct running. While Young Boys will look to their clever young midfielder Imeri to unlock Red Star's stubborn backline.

Conclusion

This match promises to be a dogfight between two unfancied teams who already have the Champions League talking with their fearless efforts. A draw does neither side much good, so both will take risks chasing a crucial win. What a chance for Red Star or Young Boys to bring a surprise early in the competition!