FK Crvena Zvezda vs Celtic: Predictions , Preview, Lineups, H2h for September 25, 2025

In the first round of the UEFA Europa League, Crvena Zvezda will play Celtic in Belgrade on Wednesday, September 24, with kick-off at 21:00 Central European Time. Here’s a look at the match.

Match Preview

Crvena Zvezda has started the season strongly, winning three matches in a row, including a 7-1 victory over Železničar and a 5-1 away win against Novi Pazar. They are showing impressive attacking form in the Serbian SuperLiga, averaging more than four goals per game.

However, their attempt to reach the Champions League group stage was unsuccessful. After easy wins against Lincoln Red Imps and Lech, they faced an unexpected defeat to Pafos from Cyprus.

In the Europa League, Crvena Zvezda aims to at least reach the playoffs, bolstered by their current form and strong home support. Their attack is led by notable players like Aleksandar Katai and Mirko Ivanić.

When facing Celtic, Crvena Zvezda will aim to use their home advantage, pressuring high and controlling the game to create scoring opportunities.

Celtic began their season with several solid victories, including a 4-0 win over Partick in the Scottish League Cup quarterfinals. In the Premiership, they have only drawn against Rangers in their first five matches and currently lead the table with 13 points.

However, they encountered difficulties in the Champions League qualifiers, suffering a surprising playoff loss to Kazakhstan’s Kairat, leading to fan protests against the club’s management.

Despite these challenges, Celtic continues to play well, utilizing a quick and aggressive attacking style. They have been effective in recent matches, particularly in positional plays and set pieces.

As they take on the Serbian champions away, Celtic will look to counter the hosts’ attacking strengths with a solid defense and quick counterattacks.

Match Facts

• Crvena Zvezda has won their last three matches with a total score of 14-3.
• Celtic is unbeaten in their last 17 matches in regulation time.
• Crvena Zvezda averages 2.7 goals per home game, while Celtic averages 1.6 goals per away game.

Probable Lineups

• Crvena Zvezda: Matheus, Seol, Leković, Veljković, Tiknizyan, Kostov, Elšnik, Katai, Ivanić, Radonjić, Arnautović.
• Celtic: Schmeichel, Donovan, Tierney, Carter-Vickers, Scales, McGregor, Nygren, Hatate, Tounekti, Maeda, Iheanacho.

Head-to-Head

The teams have never met in official competitions before.

Prediction

Considering the current form of both teams, an intense and high-scoring match is likely. Crvena Zvezda will seek to exploit their home advantage, while Celtic will aim to defend well and counterattack. It seems the hosts might avoid defeat in this match.