Bukari sent off as Red Star lose 4-1 to Plzen, exit Europa League

Red Star Belgrade were eliminated from the Europa League after losing 4-1 to Viktoria Plzen following extra time on Thursday. The Czech side advanced 5-4 on aggregate, ending the Serbian champions’ European campaign with Ghana winger Osman Bukari sent off.

Red Star made the faster start and went ahead in the eighth minute through Prince Kwabena Adu. Viktoria Plzen responded three minutes later, when Mirko Ivanic brought the game level at 1-1. That score remained unchanged through half-time.

Adu had the chance to restore Red Star’s advantage from the penalty spot in the 51st minute but failed to convert. Bukari was then shown a red card in the 54th minute, leaving Red Star with ten players for most of the remaining contest.

Plzen took control soon afterwards. Denis Visinsky scored from a penalty in the 58th minute to put the hosts ahead, before Patrik Hrosovsky added another goal five minutes later. Red Star stayed within reach of the tie until stoppage time, when Christophe Kabongo converted a further penalty to make it 4-1.

That score brought the aggregate total to 4-4 and sent the tie into extra time. Plzen needed only six minutes of the additional period to settle the contest, with David Krcik scoring in the 96th minute to put the Czech club 5-4 ahead overall.

Bukari’s dismissal became the defining setback for Red Star as their attempt to overturn the first-leg deficit ended in defeat. Plzen held their advantage through the rest of extra time to secure progression, while Red Star’s European run came to an end.