Iheanacho nets as Celtic draw 1-1 at Red Star Belgrade

Celtic salvaged a 1-1 draw at Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday in their Europa League opener after Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to put the Scottish champions ahead only for Marko Arnautovic to scramble home the equaliser, leaving Brendan Rodgers side to return from the Rajko Mitic Stadium with a point. Iheanacho, who replaced Daizen Maeda at halftime, scored about 10 minutes after his introduction with a composed finish into the top corner, while Arnautovic reacted to a corner to level in the 65th minute.

Celtic were sluggish in the first half and failed to fashion a clear opening from open play, though Kasper Schmeichel produced a fingertip save that took Bruno Duarte long-range effort onto the crossbar. Rodgers made the halftime switch to bring on Iheanacho for Maeda, saying afterward that the change was designed to give the team "that greater reference at the top of the pitch." The manager told BT Sport that Iheanacho's contribution was "absolutely outstanding" and praised the striker's ability to hold the ball and progress play. He also admitted Maeda "wasn't at his best."

The second half saw Celtic immediately improve. Benjamin Nygren and Iheanacho forced several...