Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
Mladost Lučani kicked off their 2026/27 pre-season campaign under new head coach Radovan Ćurčić with a 1-0 win over fellow Serbian SuperLiga side IMT Novi Beograd. A 9th-minute goal was enough to settle the friendly.
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow it unfolded
The only goal arrived in the 9th minute. Mladost struck early — the scorer is not named in the available match data — and the early breakthrough proved decisive. IMT dominated the remainder of the contest territorially but could not find an equaliser. The match finished 1-0 after 90 minutes, with the halftime score also 1-0.
The turning point
The 9th-minute goal fundamentally shaped the match. Once ahead, Mladost sat deep, ceded possession, and looked to hit on the counter — a defensive approach that frustrated IMT throughout. IMT registered 13 shots (9 on target) to Mladost's 3 (1 on target), but could not convert any of their chances. The early goal allowed Ćurčić's side to control the game without the ball.
Key performers
Mladost Lučani defensive unit — Player of the Match. Facing 13 shots and 9 on target, the backline held firm to preserve the clean sheet. The goalkeeper was not beaten despite sustained pressure.
IMT Novi Beograd attack — Created ample chances (9 shots on target) but lacked the finishing touch. The inability to score from 13 attempts is a concern ahead of the new season.
By the numbers — interpreted
Possession (59% Mladost, 41% IMT) tells a story of a team protecting a lead, not dominating. Despite having less of the ball, Mladost controlled the game's key moment. The xG figures (not available in the provider payload) would likely favour IMT given their 13-3 shot advantage, but the only number that mattered was the 1-0 scoreline. Mladost's 1 shot on target from 3 attempts produced the goal — a clinical efficiency that IMT (0 goals from 9 shots on target) could not match.
What it means
This was Mladost's third pre-season friendly of summer 2026, following matches against Petrovac (22 June) and Novi Pazar (28 June). It was the first match under Radovan Ćurčić, who was appointed from Javor Matis to lead the club into the new campaign. IMT's struggles in friendlies continue — the side has now lost 4 and drawn 1 of their last 5 friendly matches dating back to January 2026.
Mladost's next pre-season fixtures: vs Mačva (5 July), vs Budućnost Podgorica (11 July). The Serbian SuperLiga season begins on 18 July for Mladost, who travel to Radnik Surdulica on the opening weekend.
Verdict
A textbook pre-season friendly result for a new manager: early goal, clean sheet, and a defensive shape that held under pressure. The attacking output (3 shots, 1 on target) will need to improve before the SuperLiga campaign begins on 18 July, but Ćurčić's first win provides a solid foundation to build on.
Match Events
Key match events between Mladost Lucani and IMT Novi Beograd — 1 goal and 0 cards recorded during the match.
Rivalry since 2023
Mladost Lucani vs IMT Novi Beograd Head to Head Results· 8
Mladost Lucani and IMT Novi Beograd have met 8 times — Mladost Lucani won 3, IMT Novi Beograd won 3, with 2 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2023. A combined 19 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.38 per match (9 for the home side, 10 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 5 matches (63%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 4 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Mladost Lucani are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–3 in 2025.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 4 Jul 2026