DRAW AT THE MARAKANA: Crvena zvezda managed to win only a point against Celtic despite more chances!

In the match of the first round of the Europa League at the “Rajko Mitić” stadium, Crvena zvezda and Celtic played to a 1:1 draw.

For those for whom the glass is half full, Zvezda can be satisfied that it did not suffer a defeat at the start of the Europa League in the Belgrade match against Celtic, as it had to chase the result. For those for whom the glass is half empty, it should have done more considering how many more chances it had than the renowned opponent. In the end, it was 1:1 and Zvezda started with a point in the second most prestigious UEFA competition.

Vladan Milojević’s intention was clear. To give the ball to the opponent, who likes to have it and lead the game, while Zvezda threatens from counterattacks. The plan worked, and Nemanja Radonjić, who was the first to shoot at the goal, was in a good mood, as was Mirko Ivanić, who had two nice chances.

That was just the prelude to the real dominance. Zvezda completely took control of the match and began to create chances one after another. First, in the 31st minute, Duarte hit the outside of the net. Just five minutes later, the Brazilian was close to the goal again, but this time he hit the crossbar. In the 41st minute, he brilliantly assisted Marko Arnautović, who from a favourable position shot just wide of the goal.

However, there were no goals by halftime. At halftime, Vladan Milojević left Nemanja Radonjić in the locker room and brought in Felicio Milson. On the other side, Brendan Rodgers brought in the experienced centre-forward Kelechi Iheanacho.

And the situation changed. In the interval from the 52nd to the 54th minute, Celtic had three big chances, in the range of sitters. All three times Matheus made a brilliant save. But in the 56th minute, he could do nothing. Kelechi Iheanacho was ideally served by Nigren, positioned himself perfectly next to his compatriot Uchena, and routinely checkmated the Brazilian goalkeeper. Celtic took a 1:0 lead.

However, Zvezda did not lose its head. It immediately psychologically returned to the game and began to create chances. First, Duarte missed a good opportunity, but that was just the prelude to what would happen in the 65th minute. Handel delivered an excellent corner. Duarte jumped the highest, but the ball went wide of the goal. Before it went out, Uchena picked it up, returned it to the five-meter line, where Marko Arnautović put it into the net for 1:1.

Zvezda had a great opportunity for a quick comeback already in the 67th minute. Mirko Ivanić was alone in front of Kasper Schmeichel, but the Danish goalkeeper managed to save and keep the Scottish giant’s net.

It turned out that this was the best opportunity for a turnaround, although the red and whites attacked until the very end and had a couple of chances for a second goal. In the end, it remained 1:1.

Crvena zvezda plays its next match in the Europa League on October 2nd, away against Porto. Celtic hosts Braga on the same day.