Ex-Crvena Zvezda Player Milan Rodić Predicts 3-0 Win Over Hapoel Be'er Sheva at Marakana

Milan Rodić, former left-back of Crvena Zvezda Belgrade and the club's most decorated player until recently, spoke to Serbian media ahead of his team's Champions League qualifier second leg against Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Crvena Zvezda trails 1-0 after the first leg but Rodić believes the team underestimated their Israeli opponents initially. "The Israelis are physically strong and play with high pressure and organization," he said, noting that despite being a man down at times, Hapoel maintained intense pressure on Crvena Zvezda's defense.

Rodić, now playing for OFK Belgrade, expressed confidence that a full Marakana stadium could inspire a 3-0 victory to overturn the deficit and advance to the playoff round. "My message to the players is to believe in themselves," he stated.

Reflecting on his own experience, Rodić recalled his elimination against Maccabi Haifa four years ago, attributing it partly to bad luck and a strong opponent. He mentioned a last-minute own goal and a long-range strike that sealed their fate, adding that the hot weather in Haifa might have favored the Israelis then but would not be decisive this time.

The interview highlights Crvena Zvezda's determination to overcome the first-leg loss and the respect they now hold for their Israeli rivals ahead of the crucial return match at their home ground.