The Celts are in the hunt for a historic feat, only the Olympics failed at home.

On August 11, 2026, NK Celje delivered one of the most dramatic performances in its history with a 2:0 victory over Armenian side Ararat-Armenia in the return leg of the third qualifying round for the UEFA Champions League. This result secured their place in the final qualifying stage, marking the first time in club history they have reached this level of European competition. The match took place at the Zdežel Stadium in Celje, drawing a crowd of 5,060 spectators who witnessed a hard-fought battle that saw the hosts overcome a resilient Ararat team. The match began with both sides showing determination. Celje, coming off a 1:2 defeat in Armenia earlier in the week, started strongly and controlled much of the early play. However, Ararat created several chances, including a dangerous shot by Aleksandros Malis in the 12th minute, which was blocked by Celje defender Darko Hrka. Despite the initial pressure, Celje struggled to break down the Armenian defense until the second half. In the 50th minute, a breakthrough came after a cross from Svit Sešlar, leading to a header attempt by Matic Ivanšek, but the shot was saved by Ararat's goalkeeper João Bravim. Just minutes later, Ararat had a goal disallowed due to an offside position. As the game progressed, Celje continued to press forward, but found it difficult to create clear-cut opportunities against a well-organized opposition. The turning point arrived in the 83rd minute when Yaya Dukuly scored the opening goal for Celje. The Australian-born reserve striker received a cross from left-back Milot Avdyli and fired home a low shot into the bottom corner. Two minutes later, the momentum shifted further in favor of Celje as Benjamin Verbič, making his return to the club after a decade away, doubled the lead. A well-worked move down the right flank ended with Verbič receiving a pass inside the penalty area, where he calmly slotted the ball past Bravim. Verbič’s performance did not end there. In the dying moments of the match, he made a crucial clearance to deny Ararat a last-minute equalizer, ensuring the 2:0 lead remained intact. His contribution in attack and defense underscored his importance to the team, particularly in securing their spot in the next phase of the qualification process. The win means Celje will face Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava in the final qualifying round. Slovan had previously eliminated Swedish side Mjällby in their respective matches. For Celje, the victory not only guarantees them a place in the Champions League qualifiers but also secures a minimum group stage appearance in the UEFA Europa League, adding millions of euros to their finances through prize money. The match highlighted the resilience and tactical adjustments made by Celje coach Vitor Campelos. After substituting Leonardo Kourtis in the first half, Campelos introduced Verbič on the wing, altering the team's dynamics. The introduction of Dukuly in the second half brought fresh energy and creativity, culminating in the two decisive goals. Throughout the match, Celje faced challenges in maintaining possession and creating consistent scoring chances. However, their ability to capitalize on late opportunities proved pivotal. The defensive contributions of goalkeeper Žan Luk Leban were also critical, as he made several key saves to keep the clean sheet intact. The victory has significant implications for Celje’s future. It marks their first-ever entry into the Champions League knockout stages and sets the stage for a high-stakes encounter with Slovan Bratislava. Fans are already looking ahead to the upcoming clash, hoping their team can continue to make history in European football. The match also showcased the impact of returning players and young talents. Verbič, who had spent the past decade abroad, demonstrated why he remains a vital figure in Slovenian football. Meanwhile, Dukuly’s timely goals underscored the depth of talent within the squad. With the win secured, attention now turns to the final qualifier against Slovan Bratislava. The outcome of this match will determine whether Celje can achieve their ultimate goal of reaching the group stage of the Champions League. For now, the focus remains on celebrating a historic achievement that has placed the club among Europe’s elite.