Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho continued his bright start to life at Celtic, scoring to help the Scottish side secure a 1-1 draw against Red Star Belgrade in their Europa League opener at the Stadion Rajko Mitić on Wednesday night, Bold Sports reports.
Iheanacho, who had registered two goal contributions in two games since joining the Scottish champions, came off the bench to put Brendan Rodgers’ side ahead. His clinical finish from Benjamin Nygren’s pass gave Celtic the breakthrough after a bright start to the second half.
However, the lead lasted just 10 minutes. Nigerian defender Franklin Uchenna set up Marko Arnautovic from a corner, and the Austrian striker buried his effort past Kasper Schmeichel to pull Red Star level.
Celtic, who dropped into the Europa League after a shock Champions League qualifying defeat to Kazakhstan Premier League winners Kairat Almaty, had controlled possession for much of the opening half.
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Nonetheless, Red Star carried the greater attacking threat, with Nemanja Radonjic firing into the side netting and Bruno Duarte forcing Schmeichel into a fingertip save onto the crossbar.
The visitors introduced Iheanacho at half-time in place of Daizen Maeda, and the Nigerian made an immediate impact with a composed strike into the top corner. He nearly restored Celtic’s advantage in the 72nd minute, but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Matheus.
With neither side able to find a late winner, the game ended level. The result extends Celtic’s unbeaten run in normal time this season, a streak they will look to maintain when they face Hibernian in the league on Saturday. Red Star, also unbeaten in five matches, continue their campaign against FK Radnicki at the weekend.
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