The Serbian Maracana, a rare start for Mathieu Debuchy and wobbly camerawork: Six things you missed from Red Star Belgrade v Arsenal

  • The home of Red Star Belgrade is known as the 'Marakana' by their supporters 
  • Defender Mathieu Debuchy made his first Arsenal start since November 2016
  • Start of the game was marred for viewers by some questionable camerawork

A largely dire game in Serbia was decided by a moment of quality as Olivier Giroud's overhead kick earned Arsenal a 1-0 win at Red Star Belgrade.

Arsenal, with a makeshift line-up, toiled for long periods before a few seconds of skill proved enough for three points.

Here, Sportsmail brings you a few things you missed from Thursday night's Europa League action... 

Olivier Giroud's late strike earned Arsenal a 1-0 win away to Red Star Belgrade on Thursday

Olivier Giroud's late strike earned Arsenal a 1-0 win away to Red Star Belgrade on Thursday

The Maracana?


Red Star Belgrade play in the Rajko Mitic Stadium, a 55,538 seater theatre which was once the biggest football stadium in the world. 

It is known locally as the 'Marakana', after the famous Brazilian stadium which has twice held the World Cup final and has a record attendance of just shy of 200,000. 

While the Rajko Mitic is an impressive arena, it is somewhat dwarfed by its South American counterpart. They're side by side below, for you to judge your favourite. 

On one hand, the 'Serbian Maracana' - the a 55,538 seater Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade

On one hand, the 'Serbian Maracana' - the a 55,538 seater Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade

On the other hand, the real Maracana, holding the closing ceremony of the 2016 Olympics

On the other hand, the real Maracana, holding the closing ceremony of the 2016 Olympics

He still plays for Arsenal? 

This was the question asked by many after the Arsenal team sheet came out, featuring Mathieu Debuchy in defence.

Debuchy was making his first start for Arsenal since appearing against Bournemouth in November 2016 - 326 days ago. 

Once France's first choice right back, injuries have seen the former Newcastle man's star fall somewhat in recent years.

Mathieu Debuchy made his first Arsenal start since facing Bournemouth in November 2016

Mathieu Debuchy made his first Arsenal start since facing Bournemouth in November 2016

Tifo watch

Fans of eastern European sides on big nights rarely fail to impress when it comes to their large banners, or 'tifos' as they are known. 

Red Star Belgrade did not disappoint, which this huge effort being unfurled at the half time interval.

Unfortunately it could not inspire their side to hold off Arsenal as Red Star fell to their first loss in the group stage. 

Fans of eastern European sides on big nights rarely fail to impress, and Red Star were the same

Fans of eastern European sides on big nights rarely fail to impress, and Red Star were the same

Reactions to Arsenal's team

Debuchy at centre back. Reiss Nelson at wing back. Theo Walcott playing in behind the No 9. Arsene Wenger picked a starting XI in Belgarde that could be best described as experimental. 

The reaction of Arsenal fans on Twitter was exactly what was expected, with memes and gifs flying under the official club announcement. 

The best of the bunch saw one fan react with a video of someone setting themselves on fire. Whether he was making a metaphor or live streaming his reaction is unknown.

Red Star fans are not UEFA fans

Red Star might have been playing in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night, but that does not mean they approve of the organisation. 

A striking piece of graffiti outside the stadium claims that 'UEFA supports terrorism', alongside a picture of a machine gun.

The fans have previously displayed banners in the stadium bearing similar emotions, but this show has more permanency. 

A striking piece of graffiti outside the Red Star stadium claims that 'UEFA supports terrorism'

A striking piece of graffiti outside the Red Star stadium claims that 'UEFA supports terrorism'

I feel sea sick... 

The cameraman did not seem ready for the game to begin, if the quality of filming in the opening minutes was anything to go by.

The main camera above the halfway line was zoomed and refocused several times, and regularly lost track of the ball.

It gave fans the novel experience of seasickness while watching a football match - although the quality improved as the game went on. 

The beginning of the match saw some questionable camerawork with a very blurry pitch

The beginning of the match saw some questionable camerawork with a very blurry pitch

The camera operator seemed to be having trouble following the ball to the anger of viewers

The camera operator seemed to be having trouble following the ball to the anger of viewers