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Kelechi Iheanacho’s bright start to life at Celtic continued in Belgrade, but his goal was not enough to deliver victory as Brendan Rodgers’ side were held 1-1 by Red Star in their Europa League opener on Wednesday night, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles star, who joined the Scottish champions this summer on a free transfer, came off the bench at half-time and made an instant impact.
Just 10 minutes into the second half, Benjamin Nygren slipped him through inside the box. One touch to steady himself, a swift turn, and Iheanacho hammered a clean finish beyond Matheus to silence the Rajko Mitić Stadium.
It was his third direct goal contribution in as many games, showing why Rodgers turned to him with Celtic struggling to find a spark.
But the lead evaporated almost as quickly as it arrived. Red Star responded from a corner in the 66th minute, when Nigerian defender Franklin Uchenna reacted first to a loose ball and squared for Marko Arnautovic. The veteran striker tucked home with ease to restore parity.
Celtic had begun the night on the back foot. Rodgers’ side were sloppy in possession in the first half, with Daizen Maeda isolated up front and Cameron Carter-Vickers missing two half-chances from set pieces.
Kasper Schmeichel, back in goal for the visitors, was the busier of the two keepers as he tipped a Bruno Duarte header onto the bar and pushed away a fierce strike from Mirko Ivanic late on.
Iheanacho could have won it in the 72nd minute when Nygren again found him in space, but this time Matheus blocked his effort. Red Star pressed for a late winner, only for Schmeichel to deny them with sharp stops.
The final whistle left both sides level, each extending their unbeaten runs this season but missing the chance to seize early control of the group.
Rodgers will take encouragement from Iheanacho’s impact but knows Celtic must improve ahead of their next European assignment, a home clash with Braga on October 2.
For now, attention shifts back to domestic duties with Hibernian visiting Parkhead on Saturday.
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