SEASON 2025/26
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 except for one young man, an 11 year old boy stating just outside the ground "you are not safe" to our small group passing through the scores of home fans.
The match started in heavy rain. Locals were unhappy and headed for cover. In first half Celtic had lots of procession however it was Red Star who created the chances but the match was goalless at half-time.
In the second Celtic start strongly making several chances and were rewarded when substitute Iheanacho scores but 10 minutes later the tie was level again as strong pressure from Red Star forced the equaliser.
In the end a draw is a fair outcome.
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 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
- A relaxed evening walk then 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
- Kick off at 9pm
- Whisked away straight after game to Belgrade airport
- Depart at 2am and arrive back in Glasgow as scheduled at 4am
