Venue: Stadion Rajko Mitic
RED STAR BELGRADE 1 CELTIC 1
Scorers: Arnautovic; Iheanacho
Very much a bonus match as I won a competition with the Celtic Pools for a wonderful trip to this match in Serbia that included flights, hotel, walking tour, coach transfers and match tickets.
Our tickets were in a small section in the main stand among the hordes of Red Star fans. Thankfully they were friendly and with family.
The match started in heavy rain. Locls unhappy amnd headed for cover. In first Celtic have lots of procession but it is Red Star who created the chances but the match is goalless at half-time.
In the second Celtic start strobgly making several chances and are rewarded when substitute Iheanacho scores but 10 minutes later the tie is level again as strong pressure from Red Star forces the equaliser.
In the end a draw is a fair outcome.
Match report: LINK
Personal note:
- Second occasion seeing this fixture but first time in UEFA competition.
- 8th time seeing Celtic in UEFA competition in mainland Europe and 9th overall.
- First visit to Serbia - the 15th country I've seen football in.
FULL TRIP ITINERARY & SUMMARY:
- Day 1: 11:30am Meet and collect tickets in Glasgow airport
- Congregate in Upper deck lounge with light lunch and drinks (bump into Jim Craig)
- Flight to Belgrade at 2pm (arrive 6:30pm local time)
- Arrive at 5 star Bristol Hotel at 7:30pm
- An evening walk with a few drinks in the Three Carrots Irish Bar
- Day 2: Breakfast at 9am
- 11am Walking Tour through Belgrade fortress
- Afternoon in city centre and a final drink in Irish Bar
- Pick up for match at 7:15pm
- Arrive for game at 7:45pm
- Enter stadium at 8pm after short delay as Police unhappy with us being in the home end
- Kick off at 9pm
- Whisked away straight after game to Belgrade airport
- Depart at 2am and arrive back in Glasgow as scheduled at 4am
