Red Star veteran rallies support ahead of Celtic clash

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The Celtic Star

·23 septembre 2025

Red Star veteran rallies support ahead of Celtic clash

Marko Arnautović underlined the impact Red Star Belgrade’s supporters could have as they host Celtic in tomorrow night’s Europa League clash…

Cherif Ndiaye of Crvena Zvezda celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serbian SuperLiga season 2024/2025 match between Crvena Zvezda and Partizan at Rajko Mitic Stadium on February 22, 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

The Austrian forward – a recent arrival at the Serbian club – gave his thoughts following their weekend 2-1 victory against local rivals Partizan. Arnautović is no stranger to top-level football – with spells in the Premier League, Serie A and a long international career for Austria – yet he confessed that stepping out at a packed Marakana on a European night is a moment he has long dreamed of.

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Sebastian Tounekti at Firhill. Partick Thistle v Celtic. Premier Sports League Cup. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Celtic travel to Belgrade buoyed by a 4-0 quarter-final win over Partick Thistle in the Premier Sports League Cup. With both sides keen to open their Europa League campaign positively, Arnautović cautioned that the outcome may hinge on the finest of margins.

The 36-year-old called on Red Star’s renowned fans to play their part, insisting the Marakana’s atmosphere could be the driving force behind a home win. Speaking via Crvena Zvezda’s official X account, he said: “The victory in the derby has given us additional confidence and motivation, but we know well that there is no time to rest because a match against Celtic awaits us.

“It is important to start the Europa League competition strongly. It will be a duel where details will decide the outcome, and that’s why we need the support from the stands like never before.”

PARTIZAN vs CRVENA ZVEZDA ALEKSANDAR KATAI and MARKO ARNAUTOVIC Crvena zvezda vs Partizan Superleague Serbian national championship match at Partizan stadium, Belgrade, 20.09.2025 Belgrade Partizan stadium Serbia Copyright: Marko Metlas/MN Press

Arnautović added: “Marakana has always been one of Zvezda’s greatest assets, and I am confident that together we can create an atmosphere that will carry us to victory. I have always had a desire to play such matches at a full Marakana, so I can hardly wait for the game to start and to see our fans in large numbers in the stands.”

Fans of Crvena Zvezda light flares during the Serbian SuperLiga season 2024/2025 match between Crvena Zvezda and Partizan at Rajko Mitic Stadium on February 22, 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

Arnautović’s words highlight Red Star’s recognition of Celtic’s stature and the tough test that lies ahead for Brendan Rodgers’ side. The Serbian Champions will be leaning on their intimidating home support but it is up to Celtic to withstand that pressure.

Cypriot Champions Pafos certainly did just that in the Champions League play-off winning 2-1 in Belgrade so there’s no reason why the atmosphere should bother Celtic too much,.

Iskusni napadač našeg kluba Marko Arnautović izneo je svoja očekivanja pred meč sa ekipom Seltika. - Pobeda u derbiju nam je donela dodatno samopouzdanje i motiv, ali dobro znamo da nema vremena za odmor jer nas očekuje utakmica protiv Seltika. Važno je da dobro počnemo
– lundi 22 septembre 2025

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