In their second friendly match following their return from Zlatibor and ahead of the final phase of preseason in Russia, FK Partizan suffered a 1:2 (1:1) defeat to Russian second-division side Rodina.
Before diving into match specifics, it’s worth acknowledging the players from both teams for enduring extreme conditions during the game at the Serbian FA Training Center in Stara Pazova, where temperatures exceeded 30°C. The sweltering heat made play extremely difficult, especially for Partizan, whose players are still regaining match fitness. Ultimately, a lapse in concentration proved decisive.
In the 67th minute, goalkeeper Marko Milosevic made a great save and passed the ball to Nikola Simic, who mistakenly thought the ball had gone out for a goal kick. He returned it by hand to his keeper, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Rodina converted for a 2:1 lead that they would hold onto.
Despite the result, head coach Srdjan Blagojevic saw many positives in the 90 minutes. Every player had a chance to feature, including new signing Andrej Kostic, who played the final 15 minutes, and Bulgarian newcomer Yanis Karabelyov, who started the match.
Overall, Blagojevic can be satisfied with the performance, as his side didn’t deserve to lose. The defeat came as a result of unfortunate circumstances. Partizan showed mental resilience again, coming back after conceding from a set piece and controlling much of the match. Mario Jurcevic scored the equalizer from open play, and near the end, Kostic and Trifunovic both came close to snatching a draw.
Starting XI: Krunic, Stojkovic, Djurdjevic, Milovanovic, Jurcevic, Dragojevic, Karabelyov, Vukotic, Ugresic, Kalulu, Natho
Second-half subs: Miloševic, Simic, Milic, Roganovic, Petrovic, Jankovic, Stjepanovic, Trifunovic, Alilovic, Jovanovic, Kostic
The team will stay in Belgrade for one more day before traveling to Moscow on June 28 to take part in the “BetBoom Bratski Cup,” where they will face CSKA Moscow on July 1st and Dinamo Moscow on July 4th.
