Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 12/5
Bookmaker: ZetBet
Red Star Belgrade and Celtic kick off their Europa League campaigns on Wednesday night, meeting in Belgrade for matchday one of the league phase. Both clubs arrive here after suffering heartbreak in the Champions League playoffs: Red Star were edged out by Pafos, while Celtic fell on penalties to Kairat Almaty.
Red Star Belgrade
It has otherwise been a strong opening to the 2025-26 season for Vladan Milojevic’s side, who boast 10 wins, two draws and just one defeat across 13 matches in all competitions. Domestically, they have been flawless, winning all seven games in the Mozzart Bet Superliga to sit top of the table.
Their European adventure began brightly too, as they dispatched Lincoln Red Imps and Lech Poznan to reach the Champions League playoff round.
That run came to a halt against Cypriot side Pafos, with Red Star narrowly losing 3-2 on aggregate. Since then, however, they have responded with three straight league victories, restoring confidence ahead of their Europa League opener. Facing Celtic represents a significant test, but the Serbian champions will be eager to make a statement on home soil.
Team News
Rade Krunic is set to miss out once again due to a muscle injury sustained in late August.
Aleksandar Katai has been Red Star’s standout performer, scoring 11 times in just 10 appearances, and he is expected to lead the line alongside experienced forward Marko Arnautovic.
Celtic
Brendan Rodgers’ side have also enjoyed a promising start, collecting six wins and three draws from nine outings in all competitions. In the Scottish Premiership, four victories and a draw leave them level on points with Hearts at the summit, while their domestic cup form has been just as encouraging.
The Bhoys have reached the League Cup semi-finals, seeing off Falkirk 4-1 and Partick Thistle 4-0 to set up a meeting with Rangers.
Europe has been less kind. Celtic were favourites to progress past Kairat Almaty in the Champions League playoff, but two goalless draws led to a penalty shootout defeat, denying them a place in the group stage. Instead, they turn their focus to the Europa League, knowing both they and Red Star must now make this competition count.
Team News
Rodgers has several injury concerns, with Alistair Johnston, Auston Trusty, Jota and Anthony Ralston all sidelined. With Johnston and Ralston unavailable, 19-year-old Colby Donovan is expected to continue at right-back.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Kieran Tierney should complete the defensive line, while Kelechi Iheanacho is likely to spearhead the attack, supported by Daizen Maeda and Michel Ange Balikwisha.
Conclusion
With both sides eager to put Champions League disappointment behind them, a tight contest is expected in Belgrade. Red Star’s home record and scoring form make them dangerous opponents, but Celtic’s overall quality should see them leave the Serbia capital undefeated.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 12/5
Bookmaker: ZetBet
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