Degenek moved from Ange Postecoglou's Yokohama F. Marinos to the Serbian giants in the off-season eager to get into European football in the country where his family grew up and played a key role in securing their maiden group stage spot.

Red Star hadn't qualified for the Champions League group stage since being the European Cup back in 1991-92, so Degenek's move had no guarantees.

However, Red Star secured their spot dramatically, winning on the away goals rule after a 2-2 aggregate draw, having trailed 2-0 after an hour overnight at Austrian champions and 2017-18 Europa League runners-up Red Bull Salzburg.

Degenek provided the assists for both goals, scored by Mohamed Ben Nabouhane in the 65th and 66th minutes.

Firstly the Australian recycled possession from Krsticic's free-kick, finding Ben Nabouhane at the back post.

Then Degenek got free from a long free-kick into the box and looped his header goalbound, with Ben Nabouhane forcing it home from point-blank range for the equaliser.

Elsewhere, Trent Sainsbury's PSV Eindhoven also secured their spot in the group stage after a 3-0 win over Belarussian champions BATE Borisov completed a 6-2 aggregate win.

Sainsbury was not in the PSV matchday squad.