LAST 60 SECONDS AND VAR DECIDED ZVEZDA’S FATE: Red-and-Whites Miss Direct Spot in Europa League Round of 16! (VIDEO)

Red Star Belgrade played very well and shone against Celta Vigo, but failed to secure the precious victory. The Red-and-Whites drew 1-1 at home against the Spanish side, meaning they will not advance directly to the Europa League Round of 16 and will instead have to compete in a “playoff” to reach the knockout stage.

Dejan Stanković’s influence on the team was immediately evident. The renowned Deki arrived and clearly imposed order within the Red-and-Whites squad, which was visible from the very start. Signs of his impact were also seen against Malmö, but now the confirmation came. A seemingly new Red Star emerged even in a clash against a team from one of Europe’s top five leagues.

From the outset, Red Star understood their responsibilities, knew what was required, and how important it was to score quickly. They attacked immediately, applied pressure, and chances kept coming.

It could be said that Stanković had “started the machine,” but then VAR intervened. The technology affected the match in the first 20 minutes, overturning two goals by Marko Arnautović – the first for a foul by Aleksandar Katai, the second for offside. This hinted at a potentially better second half, but…

The second half was weaker overall until the very end when the shock occurred. First, Celta scored a true “Euro goal” from Fer López, who stunned Marakana with a brilliant strike, but immediately afterward, Bruno Duarte equalized.

All of this happened practically within 60 seconds at the very end, creating a rollercoaster of emotions – first disappointment, then elation.

Red Star had clearly understood their assignment from the start. By the fifth minute, they threatened for the first time. A cross from Elshnik found Rodrigao, who attempted a shot, but the Celta goalkeeper easily saved it.

The first goal then came in the eighth minute. Aleksandar Katai stole the ball, passed to Marko Arnautović, who scored. However, VAR intervened and disallowed the goal due to a foul by Katai.

Only nine minutes later, Red Star found the net again. Arnautović received the ball from Katai, controlled it brilliantly, and chipped the goalkeeper. Again, VAR intervened – this time for offside – and the goal was disallowed.

Both sides continued creating chances. Katai broke past a defender and attempted a shot, but Marcos Alonso blocked it. In the 27th minute, luck slightly favored Red Star: Borja hit the post, Moriba followed up, but Mateus saved. That was practically the end of the first half, with no more clear chances.

Early in the second half, in the 49th minute, Celta had an opportunity. Borja Iglesias received the ball, but his pass was too strong, and it went out.

The breakthrough finally came in the 87th minute. Fer López positioned himself perfectly and struck a magnificent outside-foot shot past Mateus.

However, their joy lasted only 60 seconds. Red Star launched a rapid counter from the center, Bruno Duarte received the ball from Elshnik, faced the Celta goalkeeper one-on-one, and lobbed him, leaving him stranded. A Celta defender attempted to intervene but failed.

Just a minute later, Bruno Duarte scored again – the final 1-1.