For fans of European football in the late 1980s and early 90s, Red Star Belgrade are a name linked with keen nostalgia for that time.
The Serbian underdogs became European champions in 1991, but have since fallen from the top table in the modern, moneyed game on the continent.
They had not reached the group stage of the Champions League since the competition was rebranded from the European Cup – they were knocked out in the opening round in 1991-92 and have not got past the qualifiers since. Until now.
Red Star Belgrade celebrate qualifying for the Champions League group stage for the first time
Red Star had not reached the group stage since the competition was rebranded in 1992
However the Serbians are back and face Napoli in their Group C opener on Tuesday night
On Tuesday night, Red Star Belgrade – known as Crvena Zvezda in Serbia – will play in the first round proper of Europe’s top football competition for the first time in 26 years when they host Napoli at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.
They are in good form for the big game – Red Star warmed up with a 6-0 Serbian league win over 10-man Radnik Surdulica on Saturday to stretch their perfect start to seven wins.
Although the current crop of players are a far cry from the generation which lifted the European Cup, coach Vladan Milojevic is confident his unfancied side could give Europe’s heavyweights a run for their money.
‘We are not here to just make up the numbers, and heading into every match against Europe’s finest devoid of any pressure can only play into the our hands,’ he said.
‘We know who we are up against but we have come this far and don’t want to stop here. With all due respect to Napoli, we fear no one and the fans can put extra wind in our sails.’
The Rajko Mitic stadium, whose capacity is 55,000, is one of Europe’s most intimidating arenas
Red Star’s fans will turn the stadium into a sea of red fire and smoke for the big game
Only about 1,000 Napoli fans are expected at the Rajko Mitic stadium, whose capacity is 55,000. Tickets for Red Star’s three home group games sold out in just a few hours last Monday.
The Serbian side knocked out Red Bull Salzburg on away goals to reach the group stage, sparking wild celebrations on the pitch in Austria.
It earned them a spot in an extremely tough Group C – Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain make up the rest of a pool where Red Star are widely expected to finish bottom.
However Red Star are a side used to being the underdogs – they defeated Marseille 5-3 on penalties in the 1991 final after a goalless 120 minutes in which they defended constantly.
Red Star’s fans have a reputation for fanaticism and will back their team all the way
Napoli will be wary of these fascinating underdogs and their raucous home fans, particularly the hardcore ‘Delije’ – Serbian for ‘hardmen’ – who light up matches with a wild display of pyrotechnics.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti said: ‘We also know that Red Star played very well in the Europa League last season and are dominant in the Serbian league, hence we will head into the clash with the utmost respect for them.
‘We want to do well in the Champions League this season because it’s a great competition and I know my players too will be galvanised by the atmosphere in Belgrade.’
Napoli are the first opponents in a tough group also containing Liverpool and PSG