BELGRADE, Serbia — On Wednesday, forward Silas, currently on loan at Red Star Belgrade from his parent club Stuttgart, found himself in a unique situation while playing against his former team in the Champions League. Upon scoring, Silas opted for a subdued celebration, reflecting his connection to Stuttgart, where he spent five years before his loan deal was finalized for the current season. This agreement occurred after the Champions League draws were made, and both teams prepared to face off in the fifth out of eight rounds.

Red Star was down 1-0 early in the match when Silas, a player from Congo, seized an opportunity. He executed a skilled run and took a shot from the edge of the Stuttgart penalty area, finding the back of the net. In a sign of respect, he raised both hands in front of the fans as a gesture of apology to the supporters of his former club.

The goal marked a turning point for Red Star, who were eager to improve their fortunes in the Champions League following four consecutive losses. Following Silas’s equalizer, Red Star surged ahead, ultimately leading 4-1 midway through the second half, showcasing their best performance in the tournament.

Silas, now 26 years old, has been in the spotlight since 2021 when it was disclosed that he was actually a year older than he had previously indicated and had been playing under a false family name. This revelation stemmed from issues surrounding his visa, which were attributed to his former agent after he moved to Europe as a teenager.