Red Star Belgrade is a club with a rich history, and its successes on the European stage are something the fans are particularly proud of — especially the club’s triumph in the 1991 European Cup in Bari. However, beyond the elite competition, Red Star has also had memorable seasons in the continent’s second-tier tournament — the UEFA Europa League, formerly known as the UEFA Cup. One of the most notable moments was the 1979 final, when Borussia Mönchengladbach proved stronger.
In this article, we will focus solely on Red Star’s appearances in the Europa League since the competition adopted its current name in 2009.
YEARS OF FAILURE IN QUALIFIERS
In the first season after the name change from the UEFA Cup to the Europa League (2009–10), Red Star managed to eliminate Rudar Velenje (5–0 on aggregate) and Dinamo Tbilisi (5–4 on aggregate) in the first two qualifying rounds. However, Slavia Prague proved fatal in the play-off for the team then led by Vladimir Petrović “Pižon.”
Video: Highlights from the Red Star – Dinamo Tbilisi match
In the following season (2010–11), Red Star was eliminated early — in the third qualifying round by Slovan Bratislava (2–3 on aggregate).
During the 2011–12 season, the team went one step further, thrashing Ventspils 9–1 in the third round. However, French side Rennes proved too strong in the play-off, winning 6–1 on aggregate.
A PAINFUL NIGHT IN BORDEAUX
The 2012–13 Europa League qualifiers remain a painful memory for every Red Star fan. Under head coach Robert Prosinečki, the club advanced past the first two rounds, defeating Naftan (7–6) and Omonia after penalties (0–0, 6–5).
After Prosinečki’s departure, Aleksandar Janković took charge, and Red Star faced Bordeaux in the play-off. Following a 0–0 draw in Belgrade, the team fought bravely in France — but fell short.
Red Star took the lead through Mladenović, Bordeaux turned it around to 2–1, but after going down to ten men, the visitors equalized through Mikić in the 90th minute, seemingly sealing a long-awaited group stage appearance. However, just a minute later, Bajković fouled Obraniak, and Gouffran’s penalty shattered Red Star’s European dream.
The tears of Darko Lazović and other Red Star players, as well as the heartbreak of the fans, are still remembered today.
YEARS OF WANDERING
That night in Bordeaux marked a turning point — Red Star entered a long period of instability and poor results.
In 2013–14, the team eliminated Icelandic side Vestmannaeyjar in the second round but was easily dispatched by Chornomorets Odesa.
The following year brought a suspension from European competition. When Red Star returned in 2015–16 under Miodrag Božović, Kazakh club Kairat eliminated them comfortably (1–4 on aggregate).
Video: Highlights from the Kairat – Red Star match
In the 2016–17 season, Red Star qualified for the Champions League qualifiers but was eliminated by Ludogorets. A chance to reach the Europa League group stage came through the play-off against Sassuolo, but the 1–4 aggregate defeat showed the team still had much to learn.
THE SUMMER THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
The 2017–18 Europa League campaign started in the first qualifying round against Floriana (6–3 aggregate), followed by a solid win over Irtysh Pavlodar (3–1). The turning point came against Sparta Prague — a 3–0 aggregate victory that showed something special was brewing.
Video: Goals from Red Star – Sparta Prague
In the play-off, Red Star met Russian side Krasnodar. A 4–4 aggregate draw and a 3–2 win in Russia secured the club’s first group stage in ten years — a long-awaited breakthrough that felt like redemption for years of pain.
In the group stage, under coach Vladan Milojević, Red Star faced Arsenal, Köln, and BATE Borisov, finishing second and reaching the knockout stage. The team’s resilience, including a 0–0 draw in London, earned them respect across Europe. They were eliminated by CSKA Moscow (0–0, 0–1), though Pešić’s missed chance in Moscow remains unforgettable.
If you’re interested in finding out who the top scorers in Red Star Belgrade’s history are, read this article:
THE RETURN OF A EUROPEAN GIANT
In the following two seasons, Red Star went a step further — qualifying for the UEFA Champions League group stage. In 2020–21, after failing to qualify for the Champions League due to elimination by Omonia, Red Star entered the Europa League group stage after beating Ararat 2–1 in the play-off.
The group stage included Hoffenheim, Gent, and Slovan Liberec. Under Dejan Stanković, Red Star showed maturity and advanced to the knockout stage, where they faced seven-time European champions AC Milan. Despite a brave performance, Milan progressed on away goals after a 3–3 aggregate.
Video: Pavkov’s goal against Milan
A REGULAR IN THE GROUP STAGE
The 2021–22 season brought another Champions League elimination (this time by Sheriff), but Red Star comfortably beat CFR Cluj 6–1 in the Europa League play-off.
In the group stage, they faced Braga, Ludogorets, and Midtjylland, topping the group with three wins, two draws, and just one defeat. That achievement allowed them to skip the knockout round playoffs, meeting Rangers in the round of 16. A 0–3 loss in Glasgow and a 2–1 win in Belgrade weren’t enough to progress.
The 2022–23 season saw another Champions League play-off heartbreak — Maccabi Haifa triumphed 5–4 on aggregate. Red Star then competed in the Europa League group stage under coach Miloš Milojević but finished bottom against Monaco, Ferencváros, and Trabzonspor.
A NEW ERA
In the 2025–26 season, Red Star Belgrade will compete for the first time in the Europa League’s new league-phase format. After being eliminated by Pafos in the Champions League play-off, the Serbian champions were drawn against Celtic, Porto, Braga, Lille, FCSB, Sturm Graz, Malmö, and Celta Vigo.
