Crvena Zvezda 1-1 Celtic Player Ratings: Benjamin Nygren 8.5/10 Rated as Honours Even in a Tense 1-1 Stalemate

A pulsating Europa League encounter at the fiery Stadion Rajko Mitić ended all square, as both Celtic and Crvena Zvezda were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw. It was a classic game of two halves, with momentum swinging wildly between the two sides. From our perspective, this felt like a fair result, though both managers might secretly feel they left two points on the table.

Celtic seized the initiative early in the second half through a substitute, only for the home side to strike back with venom. The atmosphere was electric, something you could feel even through the screen. What stood out to us was the sheer number of chances created, and subsequently missed, by both teams in this thrilling match.

Both goalkeepers emerged as heroes, pulling off crucial saves to keep their teams in the contest. Ultimately, a lack of clinical finishing from both forward lines meant the spoils were shared in a match that simmered with intensity from the first whistle to the last. Here are the Crvena Zvezda vs Celtic player ratings.

Celtic Player Ratings vs Crvena Zvezda

Here are the Celtic player ratings vs Crvena Zvezda.

Goalkeeper

Kasper Schmeichel - 7.0: A reliable performance from the veteran keeper. He made three important saves, including a fantastic stop to deny a long-range effort in the first half. He couldn't do much about the goal, which was a close-range finish. His distribution was calm and collected under pressure. A steady hand when Celtic needed it.

Defenders

Liam Scales - 7.0: What a busy night for Scales. He was a defensive workhorse, racking up an impressive eight clearances. He dominated in the air, winning five of his six aerial duels. While he was solid, he looked a little less comfortable in one-on-one ground duels, but he never shirked a challenge.

Cameron Carter-Vickers - 7.0: A typically robust display at the heart of the defence. We noticed he was always in the right place, making eight clearances and blocking three shots. He'll be kicking himself for missing that big chance with a header just before halftime. It could have changed the whole game.

C. Donovan - 6.5: It was a very mixed performance from Donovan. He battled hard and won most of his duels, which was impressive. However, losing possession 16 times is far too high for a defender. He missed a big chance himself but was a willing runner going forward.

Kieran Tierney - 7.0: An energetic and effective game from the fullback. He was a constant outlet on the left, even creating a big chance for his teammates. Defensively, he was sound, winning three of his four tackles. His influence waned slightly before he was substituted, but it was a good shift.

Midfielders

Callum McGregor - 7.0: The captain was the metronome in midfield. An incredible 98% pass accuracy shows just how clean he was in possession. He kept the play moving but, from our perspective, lacked that decisive forward pass. Defensively, he was disciplined and recovered the ball well.

Reo Hatate - 6.5: A combative but ultimately frustrating outing. He was full of running and won his tackles with conviction. However, he struggled to make a real impact in the final third and lost the ball too frequently. It wasn't a surprise to see him substituted.

Benjamin Nygren - 8.5: Without a doubt, Celtic's star performer. He was the creative spark, providing a brilliant assist for the opening goal. He created a remarkable three big chances throughout the game. The only minor flaw was a big chance he missed himself, but his movement and vision were outstanding.

Forwards

Hyun-jun Yang - 6.0: He showed flashes of what he can do, drawing a few fouls with his quick feet. He was tidy on the ball but ultimately failed to provide a consistent threat. It felt like a quiet evening for the attacker before he made way for a substitute.

Sebastian Tounekti - 6.0: You can't fault his work rate. Tounekti ran his socks off and attempted several dribbles to get at the defence. The problem was his end product, which often let him down. He lost possession quite a bit, making it a performance of industry over inspiration.

Daizen Maeda - 5.0: A completely anonymous first half. With only seven touches and two offsides in 45 minutes, he was a passenger. It was the right call from the manager to replace him at halftime. A game to forget for the forward.

Substitutes

Kelechi Iheanacho - 7.5: Came on at halftime and scored the opening goal. An instant impact. He had another shot saved later on and was a handful for the Crvena Zvezda defence.

Arne Engels - 6.0: Brought on to add fresh legs in midfield but didn't have a major impact on proceedings.

James Forrest - N/A: Came on for Yang but had little time to influence the match.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha - N/A: Replaced Tounekti late on.

Marcelo Saracchi - N/A: A late sub for Tierney, picked up a yellow card.

Manager

B. Rodgers - 7.0: His decision to bring on Iheanacho for Maeda at the break was a masterstroke that led directly to the goal. His team was well-drilled and created good opportunities. He will be disappointed they couldn't hold the lead, but a draw away in Europe is never a bad result.

Crvena Zvezda Player Ratings vs Celtic

Here are the Crvena Zvezda player ratings vs Celtic.

Goalkeeper

Matheus - 8.0: A colossal performance between the sticks. He made five saves, with at least two of them being absolutely top-class to deny Celtic. We noticed he commanded his area well and was a calming presence. He kept his team in the game at crucial moments.

Defenders

Milos Veljkovic - 5.5: It was a difficult night for the central defender. He seemed to struggle with Celtic's movement and was poor in possession, losing the ball 13 times. His long passing was particularly wayward. Not his best showing.

Franklin Tebo - 7.5: A very strong performance. He provided the crucial assist for the equalizer with a clever header from a corner. Beyond that, he was composed on the ball with an 89% pass accuracy and won most of his duels. A standout at the back.

Nair Tiknizyan - 5.0: A really tough game for the defender. He was booked for a clumsy foul and seemed to be a step behind the play for large parts of the match. He offered little going forward and was a defensive liability at times. Our worst performer on the pitch.

Young-woo Seol - 7.5: An all-action display from the fullback. He was a rock defensively, winning all four of his tackles and drawing three fouls. He also supported the attack well with his overlapping runs. An impressive and tenacious performance.

Midfielders

Mirko Ivanic - 6.0: The captain led by example with his work rate, but his finishing let him down. He got into great positions but missed a couple of big chances that could have won his team the game. A frustrating night for him in front of goal.

Bruno Duarte - 8.0: What a player. He was a constant menace to the Celtic defence, hitting the woodwork and creating a big chance for a teammate. His energy and drive from midfield were exceptional. Easily one of the best players on the park and our highest-rated player for the home side.

Tomás Händel - 7.5: The creative engine for his team. He created an impressive four chances and his delivery from set-pieces and open play was a constant threat. He was sometimes exposed defensively, but his attacking contribution was immense. A joy to watch on the ball.

Timi Max Elsnik - 6.5: A solid if unspectacular game in the engine room. He did the simple things well, winning his aerial duels and distributing the ball neatly. He provided a good screen for the backline without grabbing the headlines.

Nemanja Radonjić - 6.0: He looked lively in patches during the first half but didn't have a significant impact on the game. He had one shot off target but was largely contained by the Celtic defence before being substituted at halftime.

Forwards

Marko Arnautovic - 8.0: The main man up front delivered. He was in the right place at the right time to stab home the equalizer. Beyond the goal, he was a physical nuisance, held the ball up well, and created two chances for his teammates. A top-class striker's performance.

Substitutes

Milson - 6.5: Came on at halftime and had one shot saved, looking lively on the right wing.

Aleksandar Katai - 5.5: Replaced the goalscorer Arnautovic but his main contribution was earning a yellow card.

Peter Olayinka - N/A: A very late substitute with no time to make an impact.

Manager

V. Milojević - 7.0: His side showed tremendous fight to get back into the game after going down. They created an abundance of chances but were let down by wasteful finishing. He will be proud of the spirit but will know this was a missed opportunity to take all three points at home.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Benjamin Nygren