Win or bust as City face fury of Fortress Marakana

THE atmosphere in the Serbian capital towards the Cork City team and followers ahead of tonight’s second round, second leg Champions League qualifier has been nothing but courteous and friendly.

That goodwill will most certainly vanish at 8.15pm (7.15pm Irish time) when the two teams run out at the Marakana Stadium in front of Red Star Belgrade’s notoriously vocal fans.

Red Star coach Dusan Bajevic, is hoping the manic fervour of their supporters will intimidate the visitors.

Yet Bajevic, the goalkeeping hero of Red Star’s 1991 European Cup winning team, which won the cup on penalties, says that while the fans believe their home ground to be “an unconquerable fortress”, he and his team are taking nothing for granted.

“All we are talking about this week is the game against Cork City,” he said. “The only time we have spoken amongst ourselves about AC Milan was when the draw was made last Friday. Since then, we have been focused on this match and nothing else.

“There will be huge psychological pressure on us to come up with a big performance, but for us the second leg of this tie is exactly the same as the first and we will require maximum concentration to ensure we progress to the next stage.”

His view was endorsed by Red Star captain and midfield playmaker Nenad Kovacevic.

“We got what we expected from them in the first leg and we were able to deal with it and come away with the victory. I am confident we will deal with it again,” he insisted.

Analysing the Cork team, the deadpan Red Star coach maintained while the visitors had their qualities, they were missing key players to suspension.

“They are an aggressive team. They are strong in the air and there are definitely some players we will have to control all the time,” he commented.

Although the coach was unwilling to reveal his team selection – both line ups will not be unveiled until 45 minutes before kick-off – it appears Bajevic will not make radical changes to the side which won the first leg.

The only speculated changes see the Brazilian Thadeu coming in on the right of midfield in place of Jankovic, and Serbian international striker – unimpressive in Cork — Nicola Zigic could be replaced by Djokic up front.