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 lost the first leg 1-0 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 goalkeeper and defense.

Rodić, now playing for OFK Belgrade, expressed confidence that with a full Marakana stadium behind them, Crvena Zvezda can overturn the deficit with a 3-0 victory. "My message to the players is to believe in themselves. I am convinced you can reach the playoff round," he added. Reflecting on his own experience, Rodić recalled Crvena Zvezda's elimination by Maccabi Haifa four years ago, attributing it partly to luck and a strong opponent, including a last-minute own goal and a long-range strike conceded. He also mentioned the intense heat during that match in Haifa, suggesting it might favor the Israelis but does not expect it to decide the outcome this time.

The interview highlights the physical and tactical challenge posed by Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Crvena Zvezda's determination to advance in the Champions League qualifiers.