Fudbalski klub Crvena zvezda vs. Real Club Celta de Vigo Prediction on January 29, 2026

Match info

The clash between Crvena zvezda (internationally known as Red Star Belgrade) and Celta comes on matchday 8 of the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League league phase, the final round of this new-format league stage of the third-tier UEFA men’s club football competition. That makes it one of the most decisive fixtures of the entire phase, with qualification, seeding, and potential elimination all riding on a single result.

For fans, analysts, and those who follow European football coverage platforms such as top 10 European bookmakers, this match stands out because both clubs entered the final matchday in the qualification range, separated by only a narrow points margin, and with both clubs having realistic chances of finishing in the top-8, which guarantees a direct spot in the 1/8 finals. That competitive context raises the tactical stakes: neither side can afford a passive approach.

Beyond standings, the match also carries symbolic weight. Serbia’s Crvena zvezda represents one of Eastern Europe’s most intimidating home environments, while Spain’s Celta arrives as a technically polished La Liga side looking to reassert itself on the continental stage after years away from deep European runs.

The match will kick off on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 21:00 Central European Time (CET, local time) at Stadion Rajko Mitić in Belgrade, Serbia. Known for its steep stands and intense atmosphere, the stadium has a reputation for creating pressure that visiting teams often struggle to handle, especially in late-stage European fixtures.

Meeting statistics

Current form and & playstyle: Fudbalski klub Crvena zvezda

“The Red-Whites” enter the final round with the profile of a team that knows how to manage European nights. Their recent away win against Malmö showed a disciplined structure: high possession, compact defensive spacing, and patience in the buildup rather than rushed attacking transitions. They tend to slow the tempo when protecting a lead, recycling possession through midfield, and relying on overlapping full-backs to stretch defenses.

At home, this control usually becomes more assertive, with longer spells in the opponent’s half and heavy use of wide channels to create crossing opportunities.

Current form & playstyle: Real Club Celta de Vigo  

“The Sky Blue,” by contrast, arrives with momentum built on sharper attacking patterns. Their Europa League win over Lille reflected a side that is comfortable playing vertically when space opens up. Domestically, their strong La Liga form in the weeks leading up to this match suggested growing confidence in their pressing triggers and counter-attacking shape.

Celta typically look to move the ball quickly between the lines, using technical midfielders to release forwards early rather than building slowly from deep. This makes them dangerous in transition, but also more exposed defensively if possession is lost high up the pitch.

Head-to-head

According to UEFA’s historical data, the two clubs have met twice in European competition, with each side recording one win. The goal difference remains extremely narrow, reflecting how evenly matched these encounters have been.

Although those meetings date back decades, they underline that neither club has traditionally dominated this matchup.

Match analytics

From a sporting perspective, this looks set up to be a low-margin contest. Crvena zvezda’s home advantage and crowd pressure should allow them to control long phases of play, while Celta’s speed in transition gives them a clear counter-attacking threat.

Likely match pattern is Crvena zvezda pushing possession and territory, and Celta defending compactly before breaking forward quickly. This will produce a few clear chances, with set pieces and defensive errors potentially decisive. A narrow scoreline feels most realistic. A 1–1 draw or a single-goal home win would match both teams’ recent European performances and the high-stakes nature of a final matchday fixture.

Tip: Result/Both Teams to Score: Draw & Yes at 4.33 on Bet365.