ST News: Europa League - Stars and Underdogs Ready To Shine On Matchday 1
by Thobelani Moyo | by Cydias Aujard
Red Star Belgrade vs Celtic FC: The Belgrade Fortress Will Be Tested
- Date and Time: 24 September 2025, 20:00 (BST)
- Venue: Stadion Rajko Mitic
Red Star Belgrade are back in the UEFA Europa League after coming up short in the previous two seasons. The Red-Whites' last appearance in this tournament was in 2023. They finished at the bottom of the table in Group H.
In the current campaign, Vladan Milojevic's men are determined to push harder in pursuit of their European ambitions. This is their 24th participation in this competition, and it starts with a home match against Celtic. Will they be able to claim an impotant win on the opening matchday? For insights on this match head over to our Red Star Belgrade vs Celtic FC prediction.
Celtic FC were stunned by Kairat Almaty in the UEFA Champions League play-offs, which led to their downgrade to Europe's second-tier competition.
The Bhoys' last appearance in the UEFA Europa League was in the 2021-22 season. They failed to qualify for the knockout stages, finishing in third place in Group G. Brendan Rodgers' men are out to replicate their run in the 2002-03 season when they finished as runners-up in this tournament. First, they need to pass the test of Red Star Belgrade, which has turned the Rajko Mitic Stadium into a fortress.
Head-To-Head Meetings
This marks the third meeting between these two sides. Celtic FC have the upper hand in this fixture as they head into this clash unbeaten in their last two meetings, recording one win and one draw. Serbia, on the other hand, have held their own against Scottish teams. In their last 15 meetings, they have recorded five wins, five draws and five losses.
Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest: A historic moment for the visiting team
- Date and Time: 24 September 2025, 20:00 (BST)
- Venue: Estadio de La Cartuja
Real Betis are back in the UEFA Europa League after a one-year absence. In their last appearance, they finished in third place in Group C.
To reach this tournament, Los Verdiblancos finished in sixth place in the previous La Liga season. Manuel Pellegrini's men have not been at their best against English teams in Europe. In their last nine meetings, they have lost seven of those outings (W1, D1). Can the Spanish side turn the tide around and claim a win this time? For more insights on this match, head over to our Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest prediction.
For Nottingham Forest, this is a dream come true. They are making their first appearance on the continental stage after a 30-year absence.
The Tricky Trees earned their spot in this competition after finishing seventh in the previous season of the Premier League. However, Ange Postecoglou's men have not been performing well as they head into this clash winless in their last five matches across all competitions.
Head-To-Head Meetings
Real Betis and Nottingham Forest have crossed paths just once. Their last meeting was in 2018 in a club friendly and Real Betis came out on top in a 1-0 victory.
