Red Star Belgrade vs. AC Milan – Europa League, February 18, 2021

Red Star will be looking to beat AC Milan for the very first time when the two sides clash in Belgrade on Thursday, February 18, for the first leg of their Europa League Round of 32 tie.

Of course, the Italian giant is the bookmakers’ favorite to advance. But we must remember that the Serbians have a history of upsetting the odds against Europe’s top teams on home soil.

If you’re planning to wager on Thursday’s Europa League game, make sure you check out my Red Star Belgrade vs. AC Milan prediction and betting pick below.

Given that AC Milan (1.86) has enjoyed a very successful season up to now, the top online sportsbooks’ price for the away win may seem slightly generous here.

Red Star (3.85) has claimed some famous European victories in Belgrade over the years. But without their home supporters, Dejan Stankovic’s men could struggle on Thursday.

Red Star has played a total of 33 games in all competitions this season, losing just a single match along the way.

A run of 19 wins and two draws in 21 SuperLiga matches has seen Stankovic’s side open up a nine-point lead at the summit of the Serbian top-flight, while one defeat in six Europa League games enabled the club advance to the knockout phase without any real problems.

A hefty 5-1 victory over Slovan Liberic was followed by back-to-back wins over Belgian side Gent, before a couple of draws saw Red Star finish second in Group L – five points behind Hoffenheim.

Stankovic’s men won their opening ten domestic matches this season, with two consecutive draws temporarily halting their winning streak. But since then, the team has clinched nine straight victories in the SuperLiga.

Sure, Red Star hasn’t faced a team of AC Milan’s caliber this term. But the Serbians have clearly been preparing well for Thursday’s test.

After leading the way for much of the campaign, a shock 2-0 loss to lowly Spezia saw Milan surrender top spot in Serie A at the weekend.

Stefano Pioli’s men started the season with a 15-game unbeaten run in Italy, claiming 11 wins and four draws in that time. But having lost three of their previous seven league matches, it’s fair to say that Milan is currently enduring a mid-season slump.

Still, there are plenty of reasons for Rossoneri supporters to be optimistic.

The Italians secured home and away victories over Celtic and Sparta Prague during the Europa League group stage, with a draw against Lille putting Pioli’s side two points clear of the French team in Group H.

Better still, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has netted 16 goals in 18 appearances this season, including recent braces against Cagliari and Crotone. The veteran forward is showing no signs of ceasing.

Following a series of disappointing results, AC Milan will be eager to bounce back on Thursday. Personally, I believe the trip to Serbia provides the Italians with a great opportunity to return to winning ways.

Red Star’s home-field advantage will be significantly smaller in an empty stadium, so I can see the hosts struggling to cope with Milan’s firepower.