UCL: Red Star Belgrade Edge Young Boys 1-0 to End Winless Streak

Red Star Belgrade ended their 13-game winless streak away from home in the UEFA Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Young Boys. Get the latest UCL updates, match highlights, and results.

Red Star Belgrade ended their 13-game winless streak away from home in the UEFA Champions League with a narrow 1-0 victory over Young Boys. This win came in a match that held little significance, as both teams had already been eliminated from the competition.

The encounter had the potential to be a lackluster affair, with neither team having anything but pride to play for. However, for Young Boys manager Giorgio Contini, who took the reins in December, a win would have been a welcome boost in his efforts to rebuild a stuttering season.

Sturm Graz secure their second win of the league phase ⚫️⚪️#UCL pic.twitter.com/n3WtGVLcuy

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 30, 2025

Despite the low stakes, Contini had expressed his desire to use this match as an opportunity to “gather insights for the way forward” after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Celtic in their previous outing. However, the first half proved to be a low-key affair, with neither team creating many meaningful opportunities.

Young Boys manager Giorgio Contini, appointed in December, aimed to rebuild the team's stuttering season. A first victory in the UEFA Champions League would have provided a much-needed boost, especially after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Celtic. However, Contini viewed this match as an opportunity to “gather insights for the way forward,” acknowledging the team's struggles.

The league phase is complete ✅#UCL pic.twitter.com/8Ix7MvcqI4

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 29, 2025

The first half was uneventful, with few meaningful opportunities created by either side. Young Boys' Darian Males headed straight at Ivan Gutesa from inside the area, while Cherif Ndiaye squandered a gilt-edged chance for the visitors just before the break, putting his effort over the crossbar from point-blank range.

Despite being the home side, Young Boys struggled to make an impact on the game from an attacking perspective. Their lackluster display was punished with just over 20 minutes remaining when substitute midfielder Guelor Kanga fired a fierce first-time effort into the net from 25 yards out, giving Red Star the lead they deserved.

The goal sealed Young Boys' fate, and they failed to mount a comeback. The hosts managed only two shots on target in the second half, a testament to their struggles. This UEFA Champions League campaign has been a chastening experience for the Swiss side, who finished bottom of the league phase standings. In contrast, Red Star ended their campaign on a high note.