With both teams already eliminated from the competition, there was always a danger that this league phase finale would turn out to be a damp squib with nothing other than pride to play for.
That said, Young Boys manager Giorgio Contini was only hired in December with the task of rebuilding a stuttering season, and a first victory of the season in European football’s most prestigious competition would hopefully prove to be a springboard.
After last week’s 1-0 narrow defeat to Celtic, Contini suggested this game was about “gathering insights for the way forward”, but neither side would have learned a great deal in a low-key first half.
After an unmarked Darian Males had headed straight at Ivan Gutesa from inside the area, Cherif Ndiaye spurned a gilt-edged opportunity for the visitors just before the break when Silas’ ball to the far post picked him out, only for the striker to put his effort over the crossbar from point-blank range.
Considering Young Boys were the home side and therefore had pleasing their supporters as a main objective, they were struggling to make any real impact on the game from an attacking perspective.
Their lacklustre display was duly punished with just over 20 minutes remaining when the ball was worked to Guelor Kanga 25 yards from goal, and the substitute midfielder’s fierce first-time effort flew into the net to give The Red-Whites the lead they thoroughly deserved.
This UCL campaign has proven to be a chastening experience for the Swiss side, and there was to be no comeback for the hosts who only managed two shots on target in the second half.
Contini’s side have the dubious honour of finishing bottom of the league phase standings, while Red Star were at least able to finish their campaign on a high note.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Guelor Kanga (Red Star Belgrade)