Caltex Socceroos defender Milos Degenek has scored a priceless goal to have Red Star Belgrade on the cusp of UEFA Champions League qualification.
Degenek scored Red Star’s opening goal in their first leg qualifier away against Swiss side Young Boys, which ended 2-2 on Thursday morning.
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WATCH: Degenek’s Red Star advance in epic Champions League qualifier
It means the Serbian side just have to win the return leg in front of their home fans next week to book their spot in the group stage of this season’s Champions League.
A 1-1 or goalless draw would also be enough for Red Star to advance on the 'away goals' rule. If the second leg finishes 2-2 it would force extra-time, while any draw with more goals than that would see Young Boys progress.
After falling behind inside seven minutes at the Stade De Suisse, the 25-year-old dragged his side back into the content just 11 minutes later.
Marko Marin’s corner to the far post was met by a towering header from Degenek which looped over a couple of defenders and the keeper to drop in under the crossbar.
The Aussie defender raced off to celebrate with some travelling Red Star fans before he was mobbed by his jubilant teammates.
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Mateo Garcia gave Red Star the lead a minute after the restart for the second half but a late penalty ensured the tie is evenly poised heading back to Serbia.
Degenek’s goal-scoring exploits for Red Star comes a year and one week to the day he provided two crucial assists to help Red Star Belgrade come back from a two-goal deficit and pip Red Bull Salzburg to qualification for the 2018/19 UEFA Champions’ League Group Stage.
If Red Star can progress next week, Degenek would qualify for a third Champions League competition in 12 months having also done it with his Saudi club Al Hilal in Asia.
Red Stars’ league match with Cukaricki this weekend has been postponed to allow the side to fully prepare for next Wednesday’s (AEST_ second leg at the Stadion Rajko Mitic.
