Kelechi Iheanacho’s first Europa League goal for Celtic was a moment of pride but also frustration for the Super Eagles striker, who admitted he was “gutted” not to leave Belgrade with all three points.

The Nigerian forward came off the bench to score in the 1-1 draw with Red Star, but his debut strike in Europe was cancelled out minutes later. For Iheanacho, it was a bittersweet evening, Footballrover reports.

Kelechi Iheanacho reflects on debut European night with Celtic

— “European nights!! Gutted we didn’t get the win tonight; we go again next week. Thank you to our amazing fans for the support,” Iheanacho wrote on his socials shortly after the final whistle.

Speaking to TNT Sports, the striker shared how much it meant to represent Celtic in Europe.

— “It felt good to be fair. I’m happy to play for this great team, Celtic, and I’m happy to play my first European game with them. It was a good outing; we played a strong side, and we got points from it, so I’m happy.”

The former Leicester City forward had been denied once by Red Star goalkeeper Matheus, but he showed persistence, finding the net with a superb top-corner finish to give the Hoops a second-half lead.

— “Yeah, obviously those kinds of chances as a striker, you felt it was in, but that was a brilliant save from the goalkeeper. So the second one, he tried as well to follow the ball, but it was at the top corner, so he couldn’t save that one.”

Ready for Celtic’s pressure and future challenges

Celtic’s advantage lasted just nine minutes before Marko Arnautović levelled, but Iheanacho’s display was another sign of his growing influence in Glasgow.

The 27-year-old admitted he is aware of the demands that come with playing for Celtic but insists he is prepared to meet them.

— “Yeah, obviously, if I was coming in here, I know it’s a massive, massive pressure playing in Celtic. But I was ready for it, so I’m ready for it, ready to go. So hopefully we get more results coming up.”

The striker also explained why he chose to join the Hoops, crediting manager Brendan Rodgers for convincing him to move.

— “Yeah, to be fair, obviously, I’ve been in touch with the gaffer for a while, but it was a good decision with my team to come to Celtic. So, obviously, as you can see, I’m enjoying it in Celtic, and hopefully there is more to come and more goals to come and more performance to come.”

With two goals and an assist already in his first three appearances, Kelechi Iheanacho looks to be rediscovering the sharpness that deserted him during his brief Sevilla spell.

His determination to embrace the Celtic challenge could prove vital as Rodgers’ side chase progress in a tough Europa League campaign.

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Last Updated on September 25, 2025 9:27 am by footballrover