Red Star Belgrade came from behind to draw 1-1 against Celtic in their opening league phase match of the UEFA Europa League (UEL), leaving the Bhoys without an away European win since October 2021.
Celtic enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening stages, but Red Star looked to get forward quickly whenever possible with Nemanja Radonjić firing the game’s first shot off target after making a marauding run in the 10th minute.
The Serbian giants continued to show intent, but Mirko Ivanić failed to convert from Marko Arnautović’s flicked header, then sent a header of his own harmlessly wide.
When Celtic switched off for a moment, Timi Max Elšnik delivered a dangerous cross for Bruno Duarte that the Brazilian volleyed into the side-netting.
Benjamin Nygren hit the visitors’ first shot in the 35th minute with a free-kick that was also the game’s first attempt on target, even if it was routinely gathered by Matheus.
Kasper Schmeichel was given a far more difficult save to make at the other end, as the Dane did superbly to turn Duarte’s strike onto the woodwork.
Both teams had a big opportunity towards the end of the half, although Arnautović’s volley and Cameron Carter-Vickers’ header both went wide.
Matheus made three big saves in a matter of minutes after the restart to deny Nygren, Kelechi Iheanacho and Colby Donovan as Celtic started to apply more pressure.
The Brazilian was eventually beaten in the 56th minute, when half-time substitute Iheanacho received Nygren’s pass and picked out the top corner despite the goalkeeper getting a touch to it.
The lead lasted just nine minutes though, as Franklin Tebo Uchenna latched onto Duarte’s header and cut the ball back for Arnautović to turn it home and restore parity.
Schmeichel denied Ivanić mere moments later, while Matheus bravely stopped Iheanacho at the other end as both teams went in search of a winner.
Scales made a vital intervention to stop Aleksandar Katai from reaching Ivanić’s late cross and ensure his side didn’t concede again, as Red Star were unable to secure the win but added a UEL point to the three league victories they have enjoyed since being denied a Champions League spot by Pafos. For Celtic, it’s two wins and two draws in all competitions since they were knocked out by Kairat Almaty.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Marko Arnautović (Red Star Belgrade)
