Red Star Belgrade powered to a dominant 5-1 victory over Novi Pazar on Sunday, with Senegalese international Cherif Ndiaye scoring his first league goal of the season.
The defending Serbian champions took control from the opening whistle, overwhelming their hosts and racing into a commanding three-goal lead before the half-time interval.
Their attacking display left Novi Pazar struggling to cope as Red Star showcased the quality that has made them early title contenders.
After the break, Ndiaye added his name to the scoresheet, extending the visitors’ lead to 4-0 and underlining his growing influence within the squad.
The goal marked his first in league action this campaign, adding to the two he has already scored in other competitions, and further boosted his confidence in front of goal.
Novi Pazar managed to pull a goal back late in the second half, but it proved to be little more than a consolation.
Red Star quickly reasserted their dominance, sealing their fifth goal and confirming their emphatic victory.
For Ndiaye, who joined the Serbian champions to strengthen their attacking options, this goal represents a key milestone in his season as he continues to adapt and find consistency.
His strike came at a crucial moment, reaffirming his value to head coach Barak Bachar’s side as they look to defend their league crown.
The result keeps Red Star firmly on track in the title race, their attacking firepower evident once again as they maintain momentum early in the campaign.
With Ndiaye beginning to hit form, Red Star’s ambitions for domestic and European success look well-supported by a balanced squad capable of breaking down even the most resilient defences.
Novi Pazar, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a difficult afternoon, unable to match the champions’ pace and precision in the final third.
Despite a spirited late effort, the heavy defeat highlighted the gulf in quality between the two sides.
As the season gathers pace, Red Star’s emphatic performance sends a clear message to their rivals, while Ndiaye’s breakthrough in the league promises more goals to come from the Senegalese forward.
