Iheanacho's impact earns Celtic a point in Belgrade as Rodgers hails supersub performance

Celtic were held to a 1-1 draw by Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League opener at the Rajko Mitic Stadium, with Kelechi Iheanacho delivering from the bench to spark a second-half revival. Daizen Maeda started the match but was substituted at halftime as Celtic sought a more direct focal point up front. Iheanacho, who joined on a free transfer in the summer window, replaced Maeda and immediately offered a different reference point in attack, aiding Celtic to press higher and sustain possession in the final third. The Nigerian striker showed sharpness and poise, finishing clinically on 55 minutes to put the visitors ahead against the accustomed hosts.

Red Star responded with urgency and levelled through Marko Arnautovic in the 65th minute, earning a point that Celtic coach Brendan Rodgers described as a solid start to the group campaign in a traditionally difficult venue. The Serbian champions pressed for a winner, but Celtic held firm in the closing stages and ensured their first result of the group this season. Rodgers acknowledged the difficulty of the night, noting the intimidating atmosphere at the Rajko Mitic Stadium and the need for realism about where Celtic stand after the transfer window.

I think Kele’s goal was absolutely outstanding. One of his great strengths is that he can take the ball in and progress us up the pitch. He gave us a much better platform in the second half, and the timing of his goal changed the game for us, even if we were not able to hold on for all three points, Rodgers said. Daizen Maeda, he continued, wasn’t at his best, or nowhere near it, but he’s a good guy and sometimes that happens in the game. At half-time, I wanted to make that change to give us that reference at the top of the pitch. We needed someone centrally to hold the ball up. I felt that we arrived in the final third in the first half and then we were loose and didn’t hold the ball up. It was a tough game for us. We knew all about the venue here in Belgrade and how difficult a place it can be, but we showed great resilience. I still wanted us to be a bit more proactive in the game but, overall, it was a nice first step for us in the competition.

Rodgers also stressed the need for realism about Celtic’s squad depth after the summer window and the inevitable scrutiny that follows any Europa League campaign. He argued that while fans may hope for maximum points, the reality is that no team will win all eight group-stage matches, and a point is a respectable starting point in a demanding group.

The manager reserved particular praise for teenage right-back Colby Donovan, who started and impressed with his composure and willingness to advance the ball.

I thought he was absolutely outstanding. He’s a young player only making his fourth or fifth start for us. He’s got personality. It’s a big thing. He’s not frightened of anything. He passes the ball forward, he runs forward, he’s aggressive, he stops crosses. That’s how he trains – to that level every day and I’m so happy for him, Rodgers added, highlighting Donovan’s mature performance in a challenging environment.

The result leaves Celtic with a solid, if imperfect, platform from which to build in Group G. Rodgers indicated that the team will regroup ahead of their next assignment, aiming to sharpen their ball possession, build-up play, and the link between midfield and attack. He also touched on Maeda’s future role at Celtic, reiterating that the player’s form is not a personal indictment but rather a matter of tactical fit and confidence at a given moment.

As for Iheanacho, the former Manchester City forward offered a timely reminder of his quality and the value of depth in a squad navigating a crowded schedule. The goal, a composed strike from the edge of the area, underscored his ability to convert chances when called upon and to help sustain Celtic’s forward threat in-game when primary attackers are underperforming.

Celtic now shift focus to domestic duties while continuing their Europa League campaign, with Rodgers signaling that adding momentum in Europe remains a priority for the club’s early-season objectives. The point earned in Belgrade represents not just a result, but a signal of potential if Celtic can translate the late-half energy and cohesion shown on Thursday into more consistent performances in both Europe and Scotland.