Crvena Zvezda 1-1 Celtic result - Marko Arnautovic strike holds Brendan Rodgers' side to UEFA Europa League draw in Belgrade

On the draw: "You come here to a team that has won all of its domestic games, seven out of seven. I think coming to Belgrade is always a tough game.

Listen, we had opportunities, in the second half in particular, but we showed great resilience tonight. We showed moments of quality. Kelechi’s goal was absolutely outstanding. I still want us to be a little more proactive in the game. Overall it was a nice first step for us in the competition.

On Maeda substitution at half-time: We needed someone to hold the ball up centrally. I felt we arrived into the final third in the first half, and we were either loose with the ball or didn’t hold the ball up. It’s one of Kelechi’s great strengths. He gave us a much better platform in the second half.

On Colby Donovan: "I thought he was absolutely outstanding,"

"I said to the players after, I thought he was incredible for a young player making his fourth or fifth start for us. To play to that level in such a tough stadium to come in. Just turned 19, he’s got personality.

"He’s not frightened of anything. He comes into the game, he takes the ball. He passes the ball forward. He runs forward. He’s aggressive. He stops, crosses, and that’s how he trains. He trains to that level everyday.

"I’m so happy for him. He stepped in and he’s obviously been playing consistently. To come here and play like that was absolutely outstanding."

What needs to improve? I think there needs to be better realism. We are where we are. Tonight is a good point. You’re not going to win all eight games, so a bit of realism. This is a good point for this squad coming here. We’ve now got two really [important] home games to push forward. We can really only focus on ourselves.

A solid Celtic performance earned them a hard-fought point against Crvena Zvezda after an evenly-matched game in Belgrade.

After an uneventful start, both sides had big opportunities just before half-time. Bruno Duarte nearly scored for the hosts with a superb long distance strike, but Kasper Schmeichel made a fantastic save and got fingertips on to prevent it going in. Carter-Vickers also had a great chance on the stroke of half-time which he headed wide.  

Celtic started off the second half brightly and had a flurry of great chances to open the scoring, before former Manchester City and Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho put the visitors in front. The Nigeria international took a lovely first touch in the box before a composed finish on his left foot into the top right corner. 

Another former Premier League striker, Marko Arnautovic, then equalised for Crvena Zvezda. The Bhoys were unable to clear their lines after a corner and the veteran Austrian forward was in the right place to finish from close range.

At the end of the second half, Crvena Zvezda were the more attacking side and put pressure on Celtic’s defence, but the Bhoys were able to hold on to the point.

Celtic's next Europa League game is at Celtic Park against Braga. You can watch it LIVE on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Here is all the information you need to keep up to date with the 2025/26 Europa League.

Hart on the result for TNT Sports: "I think first half they will be disappointed. I think the second half really emphasised what they're capable of. Starting  fast, Iheanacho coming on, looking a real threat. No doubt there were harsh words at half time. Got to work, got to represent.

"Difficult circumstances for Celtic at the moment. Big saves from both goalkeepers. Plenty to build on, and I'm looking forward to this European campaign."

Celtic are held to a point in Belgrade.

Kelechi Iheanacho put the visitors in front with a great finish early in the second half, before Marko Arnautovic equalised around ten minutes later through a scrappy corner.

At the end of the game, Crvena Zvezda were the more attacking side but it is probably a fair result.

Iheanacho is shown a booking right at the end.

Can either side get a winner?

The hosts are putting a lot of pressure on the Celtic defence! They have put a few threatening crosses into the box which the Bhoys have struggled to deal with.

Aleksandar Katai gets a booking after a clash with Carter-Vickers.

Saracchi then picks up Celtic's first booking with a mistimed challenge.

Kieran Tierney is replaced by Marcello Saracchi. 

Nayair Tiknizyan picks up the first booking of the evening. He tactically halts a Celtic counter-attack by clattering Benjamin Nygren with a clear foul.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha comes on for Sebastian Tounekti.

The goalscorer Marko Arnautovic comes off for Aleksandar Katai.

Kelechi Iheanacho stumbles his way into the box and tries to chip the keeper but his shot catches Matheus in a painful spot.

Matheus has medical attention but carries on.

Reo Hatate and Yang Hyun-Jun are replaced James Forrest and Arne Engels.

The Celtic veteran keep his side level as Ivanic forces the Dane into a great save with his feet just moments after the equaliser.