Eternal Derby Thrashing Shocks Belgrade

Partizan Belgrade’s 0-4 defeat to arch-rivals Red Star Belgrade in the Eternal Derby has sent shockwaves through Serbian football, with the fallout continuing well beyond the final whistle.

After the match, tensions reached boiling point as angry Partizan fans stormed the dressing room, confronting head coach Aleksandar Stanojevic, who appeared later with a plaster on his forehead. Serbian media confirmed that Stanojevic was hit by shards of glass after fans threw stones at the team’s quarters.

This defeat is part of a broader crisis for Partizan, who have now gone more than two months without a victory and have been eliminated from all European competitions this season. The derby loss marked one of the most one-sided results in the history of the fixture, further fuelling fan outrage. “The supporters made their feelings clear, calling for my resignation, but my focus remains on the team,” Stanojevic said in a post-match press conference, downplaying the reports of physical assaults on himself and the players.

For Red Star, this victory was historic. Not only did they inflict a crushing defeat on their rivals, but it was their first win at Partizan’s home ground since 2016. The last time Red Star scored four goals against Partizan in an away fixture was in 1976. Red Star dominated the game from the start, with nearly 80% possession at one point. They broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute after a VAR-reviewed handball in the box led to a penalty, coolly converted by Sheriff Endiaje.

As the match progressed, Partizan struggled to find any momentum. Mario Jurčević came close to equalizing in the 33rd minute, forcing a fine save from Red Star keeper Omri Glazer. But Red Star’s dominance was too much, and they extended their lead just before halftime with a goal from Silas, making it 2-0. Despite tactical changes by Stanojevic during the break, the second half quickly unravelled for Partizan. Endiaje netted twice more, completing a hat-trick by the 65th minute and sealing a humiliating defeat for Partizan.

With this victory, Red Star retained their position at the top of the SuperLiga table with 22 points, while Partizan has sunk to ninth, a position unimaginable at the start of the season for one of Serbia’s most storied clubs. As pressure mounts on Stanojevic, fans are demanding changes at all levels of the club. “This isn’t just about one bad game. The whole season has been a disaster,” said one disgruntled fan outside the stadium.

The atmosphere at Partizan’s Humska Stadium has turned toxic, and the future of Stanojevic looks increasingly uncertain. While he still has the backing of some board members, it’s clear that continued poor results could force the club’s hand. Partizan is set to face high-flying Mladost Lucani next, a game many believe could decide Stanojevic’s fate.

Site Opinion – Management Under Fire

Partizan’s disastrous start to the season has left fans and pundits alike questioning the club’s leadership. Stanojevic’s position as head coach is under serious threat, but changing managers might not be enough to turn the tide. The club’s broader issues—poor transfers, lack of cohesion, and off-field turbulence—are equally responsible for the team’s decline.

To avoid complete collapse, Partizan’s board needs to implement swift and effective changes, starting with clear leadership from the top. If Stanojevic is dismissed, the club must ensure they appoint someone who can not only stabilize the team but also inspire a turnaround.