UEFA Europa League League Stage - 1

FK Crvena Zvezda 1 - 1 FT Celtic

Stadion Rajko Mit

Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict
35
FT
Wed, Sep 24
FK Crvena Zvezda
1-1
Celtic
⚡ Intensity 31
⚖️ Balance 40
🏆 Stakes 0
🎲 Upset 0
Super sub strikes in European draw

European Stalemate at Stadium Rajko Mitić

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 35/100. A battle of resilience saw FK Crvena Zvezda and Celtic trade second-half blows, leaving both sides with a hard-fought point in their European campaign.

The Tactical Foundation

The atmosphere at Stadium Rajko Mitić was electric as the hosts immediately pressed high up the pitch. An attacking barrage produced 16 total shots for FK Crvena Zvezda, turning the final third into a constant battleground. A high Intensity defined the opening period, with the home side relentlessly forcing set-pieces and racking up eight corners. Despite this aggressive posturing, Celtic absorbed the pressure with a disciplined defensive shape. The visitors slowly edged possession as the half progressed, eventually holding 53% of the ball to settle the tempo and probe for counter-attacking avenues. The tactical setup from both managers ensured that any breakthrough would require a moment of individual brilliance rather than a structural collapse, keeping the crowd entirely on edge.

The Rapid Exchange

The complexion of the match shifted completely immediately following the interval. The visitors introduced K. Iheanacho at the break, and the dynamic forward wasted no time making his mark. In the 55th minute, he finished a clinical sequence orchestrated by B. Nygren to shatter the deadlock. Yet, the Serbian hosts flatly refused to crumble. Displaying remarkable Balance, they regrouped and mounted a fierce response just ten minutes later. M. Arnautovic found the back of the net in the 65th minute, expertly converting a precise feed from F. Tebo Uchenna. This rapid exchange of goals transformed a cautious stalemate into an open, thrilling contest where momentum swung wildly.

A Goalkeeping Masterclass

With the scores level, the final stretch became a showcase of defensive grit and shot-stopping excellence. The Scottish side continued to test the home backline, firing six accurate shots on target throughout the evening. However, Matheus proved to be an impenetrable wall, registering five crucial saves to deny the visitors a dramatic late winner. The Stakes were palpable as the clock ticked down, given both clubs currently occupy vital Europa League playoff spots. Zvezda sits safely in 15th while their opponents hold 21st, making every single point crucial in this congested league phase. Ultimately, the shared spoils reflect a gruelling European night that showcased true resilience from both squads.

Key Questions

How did substitute Matheus change the game?

Matheus delivered a commanding performance in net, recording five vital saves to neutralize accurate Celtic attempts and secure a hard-earned point for his team.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Match Statistics

Possession
47%
53%
FK Crvena Zvezda 47%
Celtic 53%
Shots
16
8
FK Crvena Zvezda 16
Celtic 8
Shots on Target
4
6
FK Crvena Zvezda 4
Celtic 6
Expected Goals (xG)
1.61
1.68
FK Crvena Zvezda 1.61
Celtic 1.68
Passes
419
497
FK Crvena Zvezda 419
Celtic 497
Pass Accuracy
81%
86%
FK Crvena Zvezda 81%
Celtic 86%
Corners
8
4
FK Crvena Zvezda 8
Celtic 4
Fouls
12
10
FK Crvena Zvezda 12
Celtic 10
Yellow Cards
2
2
FK Crvena Zvezda 2
Celtic 2
Red Cards
0
0
FK Crvena Zvezda 0
Celtic 0

Match Events

HT
46' 🔄 N. Radonjic Milson
D. Maeda K. Iheanacho 🔄 46'
K. Iheanacho (B. Nygren) 55'
65' M. Arnautovic (F. Tebo Uchenna)
R. Hatate A. Engels 🔄 68'
Yang Hyun-Jun J. Forrest 🔄 68'
75' 🔄 M. Arnautovic A. Katai
S. Tounekti M. Balikwisha 🔄 77'
80' 🟨 Nair Tiknizyan
K. Tierney M. Saracchi 🔄 82'
83' 🟨 Aleksandar Katai
Marcelo Saracchi 🟨 85'
90'+1 🔄 M. Ivanic P. Olayinka
Kelechi Iheanacho 🟨 90'+3
FT

Player Cards

Our take on every player in this match

FK Crvena Zvezda

Goalkeepers
Matheus
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Seol Young-Woo
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
4
Tackles
78%
Duel Win %
F. Tebo Uchenna
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
2
Fouls Won
2
Fouls Won
4
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
M. Veljkovic
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
N. Tiknizyan
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Midfielders
T. Elsnik
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
T. Handel
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
4
Key Passes
4
Key Passes
0
Assists
35%
Pass Acc
N. Radonjic
DRIBBLER
DRIBBLER
3
Dribbles
3
Dribbles
3
Attempts
100%
Success %
Bruno Duarte
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
4
Shots
4
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
M. Ivanic
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Forwards
M. Arnautovic
FINISHER
FINISHER
1
Goals
1
Goals
3
Shots
8
Rating
BENCH
O. Glazer
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
I. Gutesa
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
S. Lekovic
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Avdic
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Bajo
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Milson
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Katai
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
15
Total Mins
Started
Entry
V. Kostov
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
N. Stankovic
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
V. Lucic
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
P. Olayinka
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
1
Total Mins
Started
Entry
L. Zaric
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry

Celtic

Goalkeepers
K. Schmeichel
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
C. Donovan
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
3
Tackles
55%
Duel Win %
C. Carter-Vickers
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
2
Fouls Won
2
Fouls Won
3
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
L. Scales
MAGNET
MAGNET
103
Activity
103
Activity
94
Passes
9
Duels
K. Tierney
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
8
Late Mins
8
Late Mins
82
Total Mins
82
Entry
Midfielders
B. Nygren
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
1
Assists
29%
Pass Acc
C. McGregor
MAGNET
MAGNET
73
Activity
73
Activity
64
Passes
9
Duels
R. Hatate
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
68
Total Mins
68
Entry
Forwards
Yang Hyun-Jun
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
4
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
D. Maeda
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
S. Tounekti
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
13
Late Mins
13
Late Mins
77
Total Mins
77
Entry
BENCH
V. Sinisalo
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
R. Doohan
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
M. Saracchi
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
8
Total Mins
Started
Entry
D. Murray
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Ralston
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
L. McCowan
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Engels
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
22
Total Mins
Started
Entry
P. Bernardo
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Forrest
DRIBBLER
DRIBBLER
3
Dribbles
3
Dribbles
3
Attempts
100%
Success %
M. Balikwisha
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
K. Iheanacho
SUPER SUB
SUPER SUB
1
Goal
1
Goal
45
Minutes
7.2
Rating
J. Kenny
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Panathinaikos 1 3 4 1 +3 WBSC Young Boys 1 - 4 Panathinaikos (25-09-2025)
2 Dinamo Zagreb 1 3 3 1 +2 WDinamo Zagreb 3 - 1 Fenerbahçe (24-09-2025)
3 FC Midtjylland 1 3 2 0 +2 WFC Midtjylland 2 - 0 Sturm Graz (24-09-2025)
4 Lille 1 3 2 1 +1 WLille 2 - 1 Brann (25-09-2025)
5 SC Freiburg 1 3 2 1 +1 WSC Freiburg 2 - 1 FC Basel 1893 (24-09-2025)
6 VfB Stuttgart 1 3 2 1 +1 WVfB Stuttgart 2 - 1 Celta Vigo (25-09-2025)
7 AS Roma 1 3 2 1 +1 WNice 1 - 2 AS Roma (24-09-2025)
8 Ludogorets 1 3 2 1 +1 WMalmo FF 1 - 2 Ludogorets (24-09-2025)
9 Aston Villa 1 3 1 0 +1 WAston Villa 1 - 0 Bologna (25-09-2025)
10 Lyon 1 3 1 0 +1 WUtrecht 0 - 1 Lyon (25-09-2025)
11 FC Porto 1 3 1 0 +1 WRed Bull Salzburg 0 - 1 FC Porto (25-09-2025)
12 SC Braga 1 3 1 0 +1 WSC Braga 1 - 0 Feyenoord (24-09-2025)
13 FCSB 1 3 1 0 +1 WGO Ahead Eagles 0 - 1 FCSB (25-09-2025)
14 Genk 1 3 1 0 +1 WRangers 0 - 1 Genk (25-09-2025)
15 Nottingham Forest 1 1 2 2 0 DReal Betis 2 - 2 Nottingham Forest (24-09-2025)
16 Real Betis 1 1 2 2 0 DReal Betis 2 - 2 Nottingham Forest (24-09-2025)
17 Celtic 1 1 1 1 0 DFK Crvena Zvezda 1 - 1 Celtic (24-09-2025)
18 Plzen 1 1 1 1 0 DFerencvarosi TC 1 - 1 Plzen (25-09-2025)
19 FK Crvena Zvezda 1 1 1 1 0 DFK Crvena Zvezda 1 - 1 Celtic (24-09-2025)
20 Ferencvarosi TC 1 1 1 1 0 DFerencvarosi TC 1 - 1 Plzen (25-09-2025)
21 Maccabi Tel Aviv 1 1 0 0 0 DPAOK 0 - 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv (24-09-2025)
22 PAOK 1 1 0 0 0 DPAOK 0 - 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv (24-09-2025)
23 Nice 1 0 1 2 -1 LNice 1 - 2 AS Roma (24-09-2025)
24 Brann 1 0 1 2 -1 LLille 2 - 1 Brann (25-09-2025)
25 Malmo FF 1 0 1 2 -1 LMalmo FF 1 - 2 Ludogorets (24-09-2025)
26 Celta Vigo 1 0 1 2 -1 LVfB Stuttgart 2 - 1 Celta Vigo (25-09-2025)
27 FC Basel 1893 1 0 1 2 -1 LSC Freiburg 2 - 1 FC Basel 1893 (24-09-2025)
28 Utrecht 1 0 0 1 -1 LUtrecht 0 - 1 Lyon (25-09-2025)
29 Feyenoord 1 0 0 1 -1 LSC Braga 1 - 0 Feyenoord (24-09-2025)
30 Rangers 1 0 0 1 -1 LRangers 0 - 1 Genk (25-09-2025)
31 GO Ahead Eagles 1 0 0 1 -1 LGO Ahead Eagles 0 - 1 FCSB (25-09-2025)
32 Bologna 1 0 0 1 -1 LAston Villa 1 - 0 Bologna (25-09-2025)
33 Red Bull Salzburg 1 0 0 1 -1 LRed Bull Salzburg 0 - 1 FC Porto (25-09-2025)
34 Fenerbahçe 1 0 1 3 -2 LDinamo Zagreb 3 - 1 Fenerbahçe (24-09-2025)
35 Sturm Graz 1 0 0 2 -2 LFC Midtjylland 2 - 0 Sturm Graz (24-09-2025)
36 BSC Young Boys 1 0 1 4 -3 LBSC Young Boys 1 - 4 Panathinaikos (25-09-2025)