Nygren tier one assit in Belgrade

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Celtic started their Europea League campaign with a draw in an excellent game of football in Belgrade against Red Star.  Despite Celtic controlling most of the possession during the first 45 minutes, it was the hosts who created the best chances – until added time before the break.  Cameron Carter-Vickers broke free from his marker to get on the end of a Benjamin Nygren cross but could not turn his effort on target from 6 yards.

That chance seemed to ignite Celtic as they rolled over Red Star from the opening moment of the second half.  An excellent move down the left saw Kieran Tierney cut the ball deep into the box for Nygren, but his shot went too close to the keeper.  Moments later Kelechi Iheanacho must have thought he had opened the scoring with a close-range shot which again found the keeper.

The opener arrived on 55 minutes.  Nygren collected the ball 45 yards from goal on the wing.  He drove to the edge of the box, passed a defender with a step-over, before pinging a pass to Iheanacho.  It was the best football played all night and a tier one assist.  This is a player.  Kelechi took a touch before despatching a left foot shot high into the net.  Keeper Matheus got a hand to it but could not keep it out.

The lead was no more than Celtic deserved.  Red Star rallied and equalised from a corner 10 minutes later, where they got the first three touches on the cross (sigh), culminating in Arnautovic knocking the ball home from 3 yards.

Celtic visibly tired as the game concluded and dropped deep to hold the line in the closing 10 minutes.  Reo Hatate came in for some soft criticism on TV during the game, but it was when he wilted that Celtic found it difficult to build play.  Still, Iheanacho had the best chance to win the game when again clean through, but his chip caught the keeper’s face.  Whatever happened to him in Middlesborough, is no longer relevant.

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In the old home and away double header days, we would have been happy with this result as Red Star looked like a team we would take at home.  The manager seemed irked when questioned post-match about the search for an away win in Europe.  It will be four years since our last non-qualification win on the road by the time we next play away.  These games are significantly more taxing than anything we face domestically (which is a big part of the problem).  Still, hope in our hearts, and all that?  Belgrade is not Bergamo, no matter how long the tunnel.

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  1. Villa have just missed a dreadfully struck penalty. Watkins. Steight down the middle

     

    Shocking spot kick

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  6. Var is a killer for divers like Gassama.

     

    Particularly in the box, it will almost always be found out.

  7. This won`t be popular but I think the Huns are not a bad attacking side and , as that defence won`t be particularly tested in Scotland, they will zoom up the table pretty soon.

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  9. Hot Smoked

     

     

    You can’t beat a bit of pure honesty .

     

     

    I’m impressed with Martins press conferences in adversity .

     

     

    TT

  10. Burnley78/ Celtic40me

     

     

    Have you two ever been spotted in the same room together at the same time ?😜

     

    TT

  11. Prestonpans bhoys on

    dessybhoy on 25th September 2025 9:46 pm

     

    Chermiti 3 goals in 3 seasons they paid 8m apparently

     

     

    Thanks for that, never heard of him, pure 💩, £8m 😅😂🤣

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  14. Prestonpans bhoys on

    Martin up the tunnel pronto, someone said the other day, think GM, he’s far too decent to manage that mob!

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