Ankara win not quite enough for Belgrade

Belgrade came out on top against Ankara but their 2-0 win was not enough to reach the UEFA Regions' Cup final.

Stefan Živković, from the spot, and Ongjen Gostiljac's late solo goal earned Jovica Milikić's men their second Group B victory. Gostiljac's strike came with Ankara down to nine men, Taha Derin and captain Halim Dönmez having been dismissed in quick succession midway through the second half.

With the section wide open, the game started at a frenetic pace. Chances were at a premium in the opening stages, though, with Stefan Dabetić's long-range shot and Atila Çetin's header from Ferhat Samancı's cross the only efforts of note.

Roared on by the passionate Milikić, it was Belgrade who made the crucial breakthrough before the break, though. The Serbian coach had been unable to hide his frustration, barking orders from the touchline for much of the first half, but his instruction eventually reaped its reward.

Moments after Milijan Spasić hit the bar, Živković was fouled in the area by Ebubekir Öztürk and the former stepped up to fire his side in front. Ankara started the second half strongly, with chances falling to Ferhat Samancı, Atila and Ismail Köse, neither of which were on target.

Yet their hard work was undone shortly after the hour when Taha, who had been booked early in the first half, was shown a second yellow. Things soon got worse for Ankara, though, as Halim was shown a straight red card eight minutes later.

Despite their reduced numbers, Hameş Şentürk's team did not let up in their pursuit of a goal, but, with space opening up all over the pitch, Belgrade put the result beyond doubt nine minutes from time. Substitute Gostiljac broke free from midfield, surged towards goal and rounded Mustafa Köseci.