Crvena Zvezda vs Celtic Prediction: 24.09.2025 UEFA Europa League

The UEFA Europa League League Phase brings us an electric clash between Serbian giants Crvena Zvezda and Scottish champions Celtic at the Rajko Mitić Stadion. Both sides are in encouraging form domestically and in Europe, and this encounter stands as an early litmus test of their continental credentials.

Intriguingly, both managers, Vladan Milojević for Crvena Zvezda and Brendan Rodgers for Celtic, have tactical reputations that could turn this into a strategic, chess-like affair. With each team boasting match-winners and a recent run of inspired attacking football, neutrals and fans alike are set for a strategic and emotive contest in Belgrade.

Among the players, Crvena Zvezda’s Aleksandar Katai has dazzled with five goals in just four appearances, his vision and finishing complementing the technical midfield play of Mirko Ivanić. For Celtic, Benjamin Nygren’s dynamic runs and two goals in his last five provide serious attacking impetus, while midfield metronome Callum McGregor’s composure helps maintain their rhythm under pressure.

What truly leaps off the page is Crvena Zvezda’s staggering 15 goals in their last five matches – an attacking vein of form not easily matched at this stage of the season.

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Crvena Zvezda vs Celtic prediction

Analysing both squads’ recent trajectories, the head-to-head seems finely balanced, but the data slightly tips in favour of Celtic, who win 38% of the time compared to Zvezda’s 35% (with 27% probability of a draw, according to bookmakers). However, considering Crvena Zvezda’s form at home, an Asian Handicap on Zvezda (0) – or Draw No Bet – is the best value play here. Their attack is on a tear, notching 15 goals in the last five matches, and their midfield’s ability to keep the ball (79–85% pass accuracy) suggests they won’t easily allow Celtic many clear chances.

Both teams are robust but also disciplined: Crvena Zvezda average just over 1 yellow card per match lately, while Celtic have received fewer. Celtic’s ball progression is also impressive, racking up substantially more passes (2702 vs Zvezda’s 1823 in their past five), but they do concede more fouls (70 compared to Zvezda’s 46), potentially giving Zvezda set piece opportunities in dangerous areas. Expect a tactical battle, with the Serbian side thriving on home support but Celtic always a threat in transition given their high shot output.

Team Analysis

Crvena Zvezda’s recent run has been highly impressive. Their last outing, a gritty 2-1 derby win over fierce rivals Partizan, highlighted their attacking aggression and knack for quick transitions from midfield. Prior to that, they ruthlessly dismantled Zeleznicar Pancevo 7-1 and outclassed Novi Pazar 5-1. A slight hiccup came in the 1-1 draw with Pafos, but their resilience and ability to hit the net remain constants. Their fluid 4-2-3-1 morphs quickly into a front-footed system, where players like Katai and Ivanić carve out high-quality chances with an abundance of through balls and dynamic off-ball movement.

Celtic’s form also impresses. Their recent 4-0 win over Partick Thistle showcased fluidity in the final third, while a 2-1 victory against Kilmarnock underlined their ability to grind out results. Despite a cagey 0-0 stalemate in the Old Firm against Rangers and a narrow 2-3 misstep against Kairat Almaty, Brendan Rodgers’ men have kept their pressing game slick and incisive. In midfield, McGregor sets the tempo, and Celtic’s 4-3-3 has genuine width and attacking thrust, with Benjamin Nygren and Hyun-Jun Yang often stretching opposition back lines.

Most recent Head-to-Head Matches

🚨Read our full Crvena Zvezda vs Celtic stats for more analysis.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Celtic the favourite

• Moneyline Crvena Zvezda 2.70 | Celtic 2.49-2.55
• Draw 3.40-3.56
• Over/Under Over 2.5 1.90 | Under 2.5 1.80 (average)
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.75 | No 2.00 (average)

Bookmakers marginally favour Celtic but acknowledge the razor-thin margins. Zvezda’s strong home record and attacking output mean the odds are closer than meets the eye. With both teams likely to get on the scoresheet and neither defence bulletproof, the value on Asian Handicap and Over 2.5 Goals is persuasive. The draw is priced relatively high, possibly reflecting the attacking prowess each side possesses – this could easily go either way.

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Possible Starting Lineups

Crvena Zvezda possible starting eleven

Zvezda’s likely 4-2-3-1 will again put Matheus between the sticks, prized for his calm distribution. The youthful but disciplined backline will provide steady foundations (Youngwoo and Prado particularly good at interceptions), while the attacking quartet spearheaded by Katai and Arnautović offer real goal threat and creativity. Relationship between Ivanić and Katai in particular will be vital – both are currently in fine scoring touch.

Celtic possible starting eleven

Rodgers is expected to retain the 4-3-3, featuring veteran Schmeichel in goal, with a back four where Tierney and Carter-Vickers bring both composure and recovery pace. The midfield trio will be crucial for dictating tempo and snuffing out Zvezda counter-attacks. Nygren’s form means he is a clear danger man, while Maeda’s work rate stretching defences cannot be understated.

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My take on the Match

This promises to be one of the highlight ties of the Europa League’s early phase. Crvena Zvezda’s confidence and firepower at home should make them tough to break down, but Celtic’s high pressing, expansive passing, and talented frontline give them a real shot at upsetting the odds in Belgrade. My primary pick is for Draw No Bet Crvena Zvezda, backed by both their home form and historical resilience in continental play. However, with both sides in free-scoring form and defensive vulnerabilities likely to be exposed, goals should flow – making Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams To Score strong additional selections.

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