Celtic began their Europa League campaign with a battling 1-1 draw against Crvena zvezda in Belgrade on Wednesday night.
After a drab 45-minute performance where chances were at a premium, Cameron Carter-Vickers went closest with a close-range header in first-half stoppage time. However, Brendan Rodgers’ decision to swap Daizen Maeda with Kelechi Iheanacho at half-time paid dividends almost instantly, with the Nigerian firing Celtic into the lead on 55 minutes after neat work from Benjamin Nygren.
The lead wouldn’t last long, though, with former Stoke City and West Ham United forward Marko Arnautović bundling home a deserved equaliser for the home side just 10 minutes later, to ensure the game ended with a share of the spoils.
Celtic will now return to domestic action as they host Hibs this Saturday in the Scottish Premiership, before they welcome Braga to Parkhead in their next Europa League clash, which will be played on Thursday, 2 October.
Here’s how The Scotsman rated the performance of each Celtic player in the 1-1 draw against Crvena zvezda at the Rajko Mitic Stadium:
5. Kieran Tierney - 6
Defensively sound, and was dangerous when he got forward. Put in a delightful cross for Nygren just after the break that the Swede should have done better with. Taken off late with a knock. | TSPL Photo: TSPL
6. Callum McGregor - 6
Struggled to get going in the first-half as Celtic failed to create chances. Improved a little in the second 45, but still beneath his usual high-standards. | TSPL Photo: TSPL
7. Reo Hatate - 5
Sloppy in possession at times and failed to spark into life. Lost the ball under no pressure far too many times. | TSPL
8. Benjamin Nygren - 6
Put in some dangerous crosses, and kept trying to crack the code that would unlock the home side's defence. Missed a glorious opportunity on 50 minutes, but picked up a good assist shortly afterwards for the game's opening goal. | PA Photo: PA