In the Champions League: Arnautovic debut for Belgrade

First time playing for his new employer: Marko Arnautovic IMAGO/MN Press Photo

Tuesday evening, Champions League, Belgrade, Marakana: The scoreboard at the Rajko Mitic Stadium, as the arena is officially called, announced the 73rd minute. On the sidelines, Red Star Belgrade 's number 89 was getting ready: Marko Arnautovic made his debut for the Serbian record champions. In the pouring rain and accompanied by chants of "Marko, Marko!", the new signing stepped onto the pitch.

In the second leg of the Champions League qualifying second round , Lincoln Red Imps FC from Gibraltar hosted the visitors. The favorites had won the first encounter 1-0. Red Star were forced to play with ten men for much of the match, with Young-Woo Seol being sent off in the 44th minute. Before that, Bruno Duarte had become the golden goal scorer in the 30th minute. Marko Arnautovic replaced him on his debut.

The second match was less close. By the time Arnautovic came on, the match had long been decided. Goals from Katai, Ivancic, Bruno Duarte, and Milson made it 4-0 before halftime. With the 36-year-old back in the game, Red Star managed a fifth through Ndiaye. After the restart, the visitors only managed to improve the score with a goal from de Barr. Arnautovic himself failed to score at the start of his campaign.

Thanks to the convincing victory, Vladan Milojevic 's team is through to the third qualifying round of the Champions League. They will most likely face Lech Poznan , who defeated Icelandic side UMF Breidablik 7-1 in the first leg.