Celtic began their Europa League campaign with a determined 1-1 draw against Red Star Belgrade. Manager Brendan Rodgers urged fans to remain patient and realistic about the team’s European ambitions.
“We are where we are. This is a good point for this group of players,” Rodgers said after the match. His tone was far more measured than a year ago when he was preparing for the Champions League.
From Champions League Exit to Europa League Focus
Last season, Rodgers claimed he was “in the best place” ahead of a Champions League opener. But a defeat to Kairat Almaty in the qualifiers ended Celtic’s hopes of returning to Europe’s top competition. That setback forced the Scottish champions to refocus on the Europa League.
The start in Belgrade looked cautious. The match changed after Kelechi Iheanacho came on and scored the equaliser. Rodgers described the result as “a great platform” for the campaign ahead.
If this performance had happened in the Champions League, praise would have poured in. However, both teams carried recent disappointment. Celtic suffered a setback in Kazakhstan, and Red Star crashed out against Cypriot champions Pafos. Fans showed their frustration with empty seats and muted support inside the Marakana.
Iheanacho Makes the Difference
Teenage defender Colby Donovan handled the intense atmosphere with composure. Winger Sebastian Tounekti impressed with skill and creativity in his first European match. But Iheanacho made the biggest impact.
“There was little fanfare when he arrived, but he proved his worth,” Rodgers said. The Nigerian striker was the only substitute warming up at halftime. He came on immediately after the break and gave Celtic a strong attacking focal point.
Rodgers still faces challenges with his squad. Kyogo Furuhashi left in January, and Jota remains sidelined with a long-term injury. Nicolas Kuhn also departed after rising to prominence on the European stage. These exits created major gaps. Rodgers admitted he felt “empty” after a quiet transfer window. Fans have shown frustration with protests in recent weeks.
Rodgers Stresses Realistic Expectations
Celtic’s three-year run in the Champions League is now over. Rodgers wants supporters to accept the team’s current level and focus on building momentum.
“I think that we are where we are and I think that tonight is a good point,” he told TNT Sports. “You’re probably not going to go win all eight games, so I think there’s a bit of realism needed to it.
“This is a good point for this squad of players and for us coming here. There’ll always be criticism, but if you come to Belgrade and you get a point off a team that’s won seven games out of seven [in the league], then we can really only focus on what we can do ourselves.”
The result might not have been spectacular, but it marked a steady start. For Celtic, the draw shows that adapting to the Europa League will require grit, focus, and a clear sense of perspective.
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