Partizan vs Red Star: The Intense Eternal Derby in Serbian Football
Are you looking for a great Serbian Football Derby to visit?
Partizan vs Red Star is the most important football game in Serbia. The rivalry between Partizan Belgrade and Red Star Belgrade, called the Eternal Derby, is one of the best examples of what football is all about.
It’s an event that sets the city of Belgrade to a complete standstill and makes people feel so emotional that many football fans say it’s one of the most exciting things in the world to witness.
There are some other great and big derbies in the region such as Dinamo Zagreb against Hajduk Split in Croatia or the Bosnian Derby between FK Zeljeznicar and FK Sarajevo. Even Central Europe has a great derby between Slavia Prague vs Sparta Prague.
But the Serbian Derby should definitely be on your bucket list if you’re a football fan!
What is the difference between Red Star and Partizan?
Both clubs can be traced back to 1945, when they rose from the ashes of World War II as signs of a new Yugoslavia. Their pasts are tied to the social and political climate of the time, which gives each club its own identity.
Partizan Belgrade, also known as The Steamroller, was started by officers in the Yugoslav People’s Army.
This military background wasn’t just something that came with the territory. It also set the club’s values and gave it an image of order, toughness, and an unbreakable spirit.
The logo of the club, which looks like a partisan fighter, and its black and white bands add to this idea. Even though the club no longer has any official ties to the army, its history still shows where it came from.
Red Star Belgrade, also called The Red-Whites or Zvezda, was started by a group of young anti-fascists who wanted to make a club for the people.
Red Star’s colors, red and white, make people think of burning passion and purity, which fits with the club’s roots in young people’s passion and fiery energy.
Who has more trophies Red Star or Partizan?
The main purpose of this competition between to two is the search for glory. As of the year 2023, Red Star Belgrade has won more trophies than any other team in Serbia.
Their trophy case has 31 league wins, an amazing 24 national cups, and the European Cup, which they won in 1991.
They are the only Yugoslav club to have won this prestigious award. This win made Red Star a legend in European football and raised its standing at home and around the world.
On the other hand, Partizan Belgrade also has a lot of trophies. With 27 league wins and 16 national cups to their name, they have made a name for themselves in the history of Serbian football.
Partizan has also been close to European success. In 1966, they made it to the finals of the European Cup, but just missed winning the title. Still, this run showed that the club could compete with the best in Europe.
Partizan vs Red Star Head to Head
When these two giants meet, the whole city of Belgrade stops. Since their first game against each other in 1947, Red Star has a slight edge in the number of head-to-head wins.
Still, the gap between the two isn’t that big, and Partizan has had its share of big wins. Each game is a new story in this long-running rivalry, and winning is about more than just the league standings.
Partizan vs Red Star Tickets
Getting a ticket to the Eternal Derby is like getting a golden ticket to a footballing paradise. The stadium is full of energy, a riotous mix of excitement, rivalry, and emotion that makes for a great show.
Tickets go fast, which shows how interesting and loved the game is. So, if you want to go to this football experience, you should book your tickets as soon as possible.
You can buy your tickets through the online ticketing system.
You can also buy tickets at the ticket office at Stadion Partizana or at the Ticketing sales center at Gavrila Principa 7, just north of the main train stop.
You can also buy tickets at the gate on the day of the game.
Usually, a seat behind the goal at Partizan costs 200 Serbian Dinar (around €2) and a place on one of the long sides costs 400 Serbian Dinar (around €4).
How did Partizan Belgrade get its name?
Partizan Belgrade’s name comes from the partisans who fought against the Nazis in World War II. The club was started by the Yugoslav Army.
It was happy to carry the name of these anti-fascist freedom fighters, which stood for strength, courage, and tenacity.
The emblem of the club, which is a picture of a partisan fighter, is a constant reminder of the club’s military past and national identity.
Why have Red Star Belgrade changed their name?
Red Star Belgrade didn’t really change its name since it began in 1945, despite what some people think. The name Crvena Zvezda in Serbian means Red Star in English.
This name is a great representation of the club’s philosophy, which is like a flame of passion and energy that never goes out.
The club is usually called Red Star Belgrade in English, which is a straight translation and not really a sign of a name change. But nowadays, you’ll see the name Crvena Zvezda more and more as the club want to use this name officially instead of Red Star.
Which club is more popular in Serbia?
I find it hard to say which club is more popular is because both Partizan and Red Star have a lot of fans.
But polls show that Red Star Belgrade may have the edge in terms of numbers.
The club’s fame is probably due to both its success at home and its win in the European Cup in 1991, which will always be remembered in Serbian and European football history.
Who owns Partizan Belgrade?
The majority of Serbian football teams are owned by their members, and Partizan Belgrade is no different.
The club’s members own it, and they choose a board of directors to run it. This system makes sure that the club’s choices stay in line with what the fans want, keeping the club’s spirit and ethos.
Who owns Red Star Belgrade?
The membership plan is used by both Partizan and Red Star Belgrade. It is owned by the people who belong to the club, who choose a board of directors through a popular vote.
This governance system protects the club’s history and makes sure that decisions are made in line with the values that fans hold dear.
Partizan vs Red Star Fans
Fans are the lifeblood of any team, and Red Star and Partizan are no different. They are known for their constant support and passion, and on game days, they turn the stadium into a boiling pot of excitement.
Partizan’s fans are known as Grobari or ‘Gravediggers’ for the way they cheer in the south stand of the stadium.
Red Star’s fans, called Delije or ‘Heroes’, are just as enthusiastic on the other side. Their voices can be heard from the north stand.
The Eternal Derby has a unique, lasting feel because of this electric atmosphere.
Partizan stadium capacity
The Partizan Stadium, which is also called Humska, is the city’s fortress. It has room for about 30,000 people and has been the site of many important games and moments that have become a part of Serbian football.
Even though it’s not as big as some of its European rivals, the mood inside the stadium on game days, especially during the Eternal Derby, is nothing short of nerve-wracking.
Red Star stadium capacity
The Rajko Mitić Stadium for Red Star, also known as Marakana, is bigger than the Partizan Stadium. It can hold about 53,000 people, which makes it Serbia’s biggest stadium.
Marakana, which is named after one of Red Star’s most famous players, is a tough place for visiting teams to play, especially when it’s packed with enthusiastic fans for the Eternal Derby.
Where to stay in Belgrade for the night?
The capital city of Serbia, Belgrade, has a lively mix of architectural styles, a busy nightlife, and a deep love for football. Whether you want to see the Eternal Derby or just enjoy the city’s sports culture, you can find a place to stay that fits your needs.
For sports fans, it might be best to stay near places like the Partizan Stadium on Humska street and the Rajko Miti Stadium on Ljutice Bogdana street, which is home to Red Star.
They’re about 3 kilometres apart, so it’s easy to get to both if you stay in or near the city center.
- Savamala
Many tourists choose to stay in the Savamala area, which is close to the central station. It’s one of the cultural hubs of the city, with hip bars and restaurants, and it’s close to both stadiums.
Hotels like the Radisson Collection Hotel are great for travelers who want to stay in style, while hostels like Hostel M are great for those on a budget.
✅ Click here to check prices and to book Radisson
✅ Click here to check prices and to book Hostel M
- Old Town (Stari Grad)
Stari Grad, which means “Old Town,” is also a great pick. The Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park, and the pedestrian-friendly Knez Mihailova Street are all located in this part of the city.
There are many places to stay here, including the stylish Envoy Hotel and the cheap Hostel Iris.
✅ Click here to check prices and to book Envoy Hotel
✅ Click here to check prices and to book Hostel Iris
- Vračar
The famous Saint Sava Temple is in the neighbourhood of Vraar, which feels like a real neighbourhood. It’s a bit quieter, but there are a lot of shops, bars, and restaurants there.
Think about staying at the modern Saint Ten Hotel or the cozy Authentic Belgrade Center Hostel.
✅ Click here to check prices and to book Saint Ten Hotel
✅ Click here to check prices and to book Belgrade Center Hostel
- Novi Beograd (New Belgrade)
Novi Beograd is mostly homes and businesses, but it has some of the best hotels in the city, such as the Hyatt Regency Belgrade and the Crowne Plaza Belgrade. It’s easy to get to the venues or the city centre because public transportation is good.
✅ Click here to check prices and to book the Hyatt
✅ Click here to check prices and to book Crowne Plaza
Keep in mind that Belgrade is known for being friendly. No matter where you stay, you’re likely to find people who are friendly and excited about sports. It’s one of the things that makes going to this city for a sports game so great.
The Wrap-Up: Partizan vs Red Star
The Eternal Derby is more than just a football game between Partizan and Red Star. It’s a clash of memories, ideas, and identities when two different stories from the same place of birth meet on a football pitch.
Whether it’s Partizan, which grew out of the army, or Red Star, which was started by young rebels, each club tells a different story about Serbia’s long and complicated history.
The number of trophies, the battle on the field, and the number of people who watch all add to the excitement, but at its core, the Eternal Derby is about more than just sports.
It’s like a never-ending passion. And when these teams play each other, Serbian football comes alive with moments that will be remembered long after the game is over.
And while you’re in Serbia before or after the match and you love food, check out my post about the national dish of Serbia for you to try out and to add another experience to your adventure!
Your restless voyager,
Dustin
