These two clubs, who've won 85 league titles between them, have only ever met once before. Back in November 1968, in a second round European Cup tie, Celtic demolished Crvena zvezda 5-1 in Glasgow, before the pair played out a 1-1 draw in Belgrade a fortnight later.
Overall, Red Star Belgrade have on five and lost five of 15 meetings with Scottish clubs; Celtic have never won in Serbia in three attempts, losing two of them.
Red Star Belgrade vs Celtic preview
After a catastrophic showing in the Champions League play-offs, the only way Celtic can atone for this calamitous exit is to enjoy a deep run in the Europa League. Last month, the Hoops were ousted form Europe's premier competition by Kazakh champions Kairat, both legs finishing goalless, before the Bhoys were beaten on penalties in Almaty. Thus, supporters are furious at the board's lack of ambition, hence why a return to this competition has not been met with too much enthusiasm.
At the weekend, Brendan Rodgers' side continued their unbeaten start to the domestic season, smashing Partick Thistle 4-0 at Firhill in the League Cup quarter-finals. Yang Hyun-jun, Liam Scales, new signing Sebastian Tounekti and then Luke McCowan all on target, setting up a semi-final date with Rangers at Hampden on 2 November.
In this competition, the Scottish champions will also face away games against Midtjylland, Feyenoord and Bologna, while welcoming Braga, Roma, Sturm Graz and Utrecht to Glasgow. Thus, in Celtic's current state, points will not come easy, so will they leave Belgrade with one or even all three?
As for Crvena zvezda, they were European champions as recently as 1991, but then feature in a just a solitary UEFA group stage until 2017. Nevertheless, having won eight straight Serbian SuperLiga titles, this is their ninth successive campaign in a group or league phase. Like their visitors, Vladan Milojević's team were beaten in Champions League qualifying in August, dumping out Lincoln Red Imps and then Lech Poznań, before a last-gasp play-off exit at the hands of Pafos in Limassol.
Red Star Belgrade made it seven wins out of seven in the league this season on Saturday, defeating fierce rivals Partizan 2-1 in the Eternal derby, with Timi Max Elšnik and Nemanja Radonjić the scorers. Nevertheless, given their domestic dominance, Crvena zvezda are truly judged on their results on the continent. Stadion Rajko Mitić will be rocking on Wednesday night, so will Red Star make home advantage count in Belgrade, or can Celtic silence their critics and claim a memorable away win?
Red Star Belgrade vs Celtic head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 2.
- Red Star Belgrade Wins: Zero. Draws: 1. Celtic Wins: 1.
Red Star Belgrade team news
Vladan Milojević is without midfielder Rade Krunić due to a long-term abductor injury.
Goalkeeper Matheus will make his 93rd appearance in UEFA competition, the vast majority of which came during his 11 years stint at Braga, while former Chicago Fire and LA Galaxy Aleksandar Katai midfielder will be their creator in chief.
Red Star Belgrade predicted lineup vs Celtic: (4-2-3-1): Matheus; Seol Young-woo, Leković, Veljković, Tiknizyan; Händel, Max Elšnik, Kostov, Katai, Radonjić; Arnautović.
Red Star Belgrade player to watch vs Celtic
Having played for Stoke, West Ham, Inter Milan and others, Marko Arnautović joined boyhood club Crvena zvezda this summer, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The 36 year old scored his first goal for Red Star against Novi Pazar last month, so could he be the hero against Celtic at the Marakana?
Celtic team news
Right Alistair Johnston is still sidelined after suffering a hamstring tear during the first leg against Kairat. With deputy Anthony Ralston also a doubt, teenager Colby Donovan could continue to fill-in there, as he did against Partick Thistle on Sunday; slightly different atmosphere here.
In midfield, Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate appear to be Brendan Rodgers' prefered duo, chosen over Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan.
In attack, Sebastian Tounekti bagged his first for the club at the weekend, after Kelechi Ịheanachọ did just that the week before at Kilmarnock. A third new recruit Michel-Ange Balikwisha is set to return out-wide, displacing Yang Hyun-jun.
Celtic predicted lineup vs Red Star Belgrade: (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Nygren, Hatate; Balikwisha, Tounekti, Maeda.
Celtic player to watch vs Red Star Belgrade
With Ịheanachọ still rebuilding his sharpness, Daizen Maeda is expected to lead the line in Belgrade. He scored 33 goals last season, including four in the Champions League, but has only netted twice so far in this campaign, so now would be a good time for the Japanese international to add to his tally.
Red Star Belgrade vs Celtic prediction
If your tuning in for this one on Wednesday, don't expect a goal-fest, and we're forecasting a classic miserable European away day for Celtic when they travel to Serbia: Red Star Belgrade 1-0 Celtic.
Red Star Belgrade vs Celtic FAQs - UEFA Europa League
How to watch Red Star Belgrade vs Celtic in the Europa League on TV channel?
Red Star Belgrade vs Celtic in the Europa League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 2
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Red Star Belgrade vs Celtic in the Europa League on live streaming?
Red Star Belgrade vs Celtic in the Europa League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Red Star Belgrade vs Celtic in the Europa League?
Red Star Belgrade vs Celtic takes place on Wednesday 24 September 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).