Sunday, May 18, 2008, 03:38 PM EST
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General]
Saturday's matches showed that there is everything still to play for going into the last round of matches in the Serbian SuperLiga. Both Partizan and Zvezda won their matches 1:0 and it will require a final round of matches in order to determine the winner.
A 1st minute goal by Jestrovic gave Red Star (Zvezda) a 1:0 win over OFK Beograd while Partizan also won 1:0 with a Diara goal in the 2nd half against Hajduk Kula. For the last round of matches, Partizan are in Krusevac to play against Napredak while Zvezda host Kula. For Partizan, a win or a draw against Napredak will give them the title while Zvezda have to hope for a loss along with their own victory for any chance of winning the title. Kula have nothing to play for as they are all but safe from the Relegation Playoff spot, only a 0:10 loss would see them drop to 10th place. As for Napredak, they still have an outside shot of a spot in Europe, so a victory would be incredible for them. If Napredak upset Partizan and Zvezda win the title, it would allow for the club to play in at least the Intertoto Cup, so they have a reason to go out and try to win.
In regards to relegation in the league, we already knew Bezanija were already relegated, but Banat officially joined them in the drop after they suffered a 4:1 loss to Vojvodina. The 10th place position and the club that will have to play in the Relegation Playoff against the 2nd division is still up for grabs. While OFK Beograd hold that spot based on a poorer goal difference against Smederevo, both clubs face stiff competition going into the final game. OFK host 3rd Placed Vojvodina while Smederevo host 6th place Cukaricki. The only other club with a serious fear of dropping to 10th is Mladost Lucani who host last placed Bezanija. With that, it really does seem that either Smederevo or OFK will have to play in that dreaded Playoff game. It's a bit dispointing since both were playing in Europe only a few years ago and a were expected to be one of those clubs to contend with UEFA Cup spots every year.
In regards to playing for Europe, we are still under the impression that FK Zemun will take the UEFA Cup Spot for the Cup winner if Partizan win the league. If that is the case, then Zvezda and Vojvodina will be the other two clubs in that competition. Cacak are in control for the Intertoto Cup spot, with Napredak 2 points behind. Cukaricki also still have a shot, but with 3 points behind will have to hope for a win coupled with a Cacak loss as they have a better Goal Difference.
If Zvezda do win the title, then 4th place will go to the UEFA Cup while 5th will play in the Intertoto. Also, if Zemun do not register for UEFA competitions, that could also see 5th place play in Europe.
In my opinion, I still feel that regardless of the end result, the fact that FK Zemun are in a relegation spot in the 2nd division, the club will not be able to afford to compete in the UEFA Cup. With that, I strong believe that Cacak, Napredak and Cukaricki have a lot to play for going into the final round of matches.
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