SANDMAN’S DEFINITIVE RATINGS: CELTIC @ RED STAR LEMONADE…
“Even if the hopes you started out with are dashed, hope has to be maintained.” – Seamus Heaney
Crvena zvezda vs Celtic Glasgow UEFA Europa league match at Rajko Mitic stadium, Belgrade 24.09.2025 Photo: Marko Metlas/MN Press
THE FRIENDLY GHOST – 7.5/10 – One wonder save and one wonderful save. Kept them at bay using his lego glove and boots extensions; threw in a couple of shaky moments, arguably not entirely his fault, but under those rainclouds and pressure he had the character to hold it together.
“A dream come true!” ✨
19-year-old Colby Donovan shares his thoughts on making his first European appearance for Celtic 🟢
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 24, 2025
Colby Donovan of Celtic Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock
MELLOW YELLOW – 8/10 MOTM – The kid can play as well as he sings. We needed a Sunshine Superman in conditions like Atlantis and the fearless bhoy lit up the Celtic right. Solid aggression goes a long way in the Balkans and his willingness to instigate attacks and support was a highlight of a game where he might even have scored too. Got to love a capable kid who just wants to play for the Colours (see what I did there, and there, and there, Donovan sentimentalists?).
Kieran Tierney of Celtic Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia: Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock
KATIE – 6/10 – He might not be the KT of old but he’s still got the class. Had a torrid time against a speed merchant second 45, yet managed to power through it until the engine choked, later than usual.
Liam Scales of Celtic Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 September 2025. Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic/Shutterstock
OF JUSTICE – 7/10 – Another night of Euro precision from the under-appreciated Ginger Baresi. Particularly keen challenge presented to him by belligerent, lumbering Zlatan-impersonator and part-time porn star, Inandoutovich. But I thought Liam handled him well enough. As for his special-game, those calculated interceptions, he was astute and sharp in a testing environment.
Cameron Carter-Vickers of Celtic Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock
GET CARTER – 7/10 – The big ghuy looked back at the races tonight. No dawdling on the ball or drifting his thoughts from the task at hand. Had his timing right and his physical challenges very effective, almost breaking the leg of an insolent hairy Belgradian dwarf late in the game by taking a kick from it…
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It’s very clear that “progress in Europe” in the mind of Brendan the elite is not getting hammered 5-0 every game. Unfortunately, he is using domestic games as training sessions for this and the result is the most boring, anti-football performances we have seen since he last fucked off from the hot seat. You can see it with the players on the park, they are having to fight instinct to follow the stifling tactician’s instructions and it is to the detriment of the end product. Tierney is comfortably the best player in that squad. Compare his performances since returning to any he has put in at any club until he returned. He drives at defenders, makes runs into the box and supports high up the park. What has he done since he camr back here?
Can’t see Ralston getting back in the starting line-up. CD was brilliant last night and already getting European experience. If Liam Scales passing accuracy improved what a good defender we would have, he’s OK but needs to sort out his passing. I would play Maeda on the right. Yang is a liability. Inheacho is a player, once he’s 100% fit we’ll have a class act.