Riera hails Matej Gashtarov after 4:0 win: "A true masterclass"

Red Star Belgrade secured a commanding 4:0 victory over Čukarički on 23 August 2026 in the sixth round of the Serbian SuperLiga, and new head coach Albert Riera singled out young national team defender Matej Gashtarov for praise after the match.

Riera: Gashtarov was the match’s standout

Riera described Gashtarov as the game’s most influential performer and compared his play to that of Rade Krunic at the same role. The coach highlighted the 20‑year‑old’s defensive qualities and his ability to add an extra option in midfield from the back line.

On the performance, Riera said: "For me, Gaštarov put on a real masterclass today! He has probably watched Krunic's play in that position carefully, how he defends as a central defender and how he creates an additional overload in the middle as a 'six'. If anyone deserves my congratulations today, it would be Gaštarov. Young players adopt ideas very quickly and that makes me extremely happy."

The victory keeps Red Star (Crvena zvezda) on a strong start in the domestic campaign; the team scored four times without reply and controlled large portions of the match. Gashtarov, who is part of North Macedonia’s youth setup, drew particular attention for his composure and tactical reading of the game.

Riera, recently appointed at the helm of Red Star, has repeatedly called for quick adaptation from younger squad members — a demand Gashtarov answered emphatically in Belgrade. Teammates and the coaching staff praised the defender’s positional discipline and progressive passing from the back.

Red Star will look to build on the result when the league resumes; Gashtarov’s display is likely to increase expectations about his role in the club’s defensive plans in the weeks ahead.

Photo: press material from the event