The Cellar in Celje: tickets for the match with the Slav are sold for honey

NK Celje secured its place in the final qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League after a dramatic 2:0 victory over Armenian side Ararat-Armenia in their return leg of the third-round qualifiers. The match, played at the Z'Dežele stadium in Celje, saw two late goals from substitute Yaya Dukuly and Benjamin Verbič turn the tide in favor of the Slovenian champions, who had lost the first leg 1:2 in Armenia. This result ensures that Celje will face Slovan Bratislava in the upcoming play-off round, with the first leg scheduled for August 19 in Bratislava and the second leg in Celje a week later. The match was marked by intense pressure from both sides, with Celje struggling to find their rhythm early on. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, they were unable to break through the Armenian defense until the latter stages of the game. In the 83rd minute, Dukuly scored the opening goal following a well-timed pass from Milot Avdyli, capitalizing on a defensive error. Just two minutes later, Verbič added a second goal after a deflected shot from Svita Sešlar, which he converted with precision. These goals proved crucial, as they sealed Celje's qualification despite the initial deficit from the first leg. Verbič, making his debut for Celje after returning from abroad, expressed his delight at scoring the decisive goal. He acknowledged the significance of the win, stating that he would remember this moment for the rest of his life. His performance was complemented by goalkeeper Žan Luk Leban, whose crucial saves kept Celje in the game during moments of high tension. The victory marks a historic milestone for Celje, as it represents their first-ever qualification for the Champions League group stage. The club has made significant strides in recent years, including securing a place in the Europa Conference League group stage and achieving consistent success in domestic competitions. This achievement underscores the progress made by the club under manager Vitor Campelos, who has led them to multiple European campaigns. For Andraž Šporar, a key player for Slovan Bratislava, the encounter against Celje holds personal significance. Having previously played alongside Verbič at Olimpija Ljubljana, Šporar is aware of the potential rivalry and mutual respect between the two teams. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming play-off, noting that both teams have strong motivations to succeed in the Champions League. Slovan Bratislava, currently leading the Slovenian league, will enter the play-off against Celje with confidence, having already eliminated Swedish side Mjällby in the previous round. Their coach, Yaya Toure, highlighted the need for thorough preparation and analysis of Celje’s tactics, emphasizing the importance of leveraging insights from players like Kenan Bajrić and Šporar, who have experience playing against Celje. The upcoming clash between Celje and Slovan Bratislava promises to be a highly anticipated match, with both teams eager to advance to the Champions League group stage. For Celje, this represents a new chapter in their history, while for Slovan, it offers an opportunity to continue their successful European campaign. As the countdown to the play-off begins, all eyes will be on these two clubs as they prepare for what could be a defining moment in their respective seasons.