NK Publikum Celje and NS Mura played out an entertaining 2–2 draw in the Slovenia 1.Liga on 18 July 2026. A match full of incident saw both sides take the lead at different stages, but neither could claim all three points in a pulsating encounter at the Stadion Z’dežele.

First‑Half Exchange

Celje started brightly and opened the scoring in the 15th minute. Winger Miha Zajc cut inside from the left and unleashed a curling shot that nestled into the top corner. Mura responded quickly, equalising just eight minutes later through a powerful header from striker Luka Šimunović following a pinpoint cross. The pace remained high, and Celje regained the lead before half‑time when midfielder Rok Šušnjara finished off a swift team move in the 41st minute.

Second‑Half Battle

Mura came out with renewed determination after the break. They dominated large spells of the second half and finally levelled the scores on 67 minutes. A defensive mix‑up in the Celje box allowed Alen Krajnc to poke home from close range. Both teams pushed for a winner: Celje hit the post with a free kick, and Mura had a goal disallowed for offside in the final ten minutes. The match ended with both sides settling for a share of the spoils.

Tactical Overview

Celje employed a 4‑2‑3‑1 system, relying on quick transitions and wide play, while Mura used a 3‑5‑2 formation that allowed them to overload the midfield. Celje’s early pressing proved effective, but Mura’s switch to a more direct style after the interval caused problems. The draw was a fair reflection of the balance of play across the 90 minutes.

Standout Players

• Miha Zajc (Celje) – Opened the scoring and was a constant threat with his dribbling and creativity.
• Luka Šimunović (Mura) – His physical presence and headed goal kept Mura in the contest.
• Alen Krajnc (Mura) – Scored the crucial equaliser and marshalled the defence well under pressure.

League Context

The draw kept both teams in the upper half of the Slovenian PrvaLiga standings. Celje missed a chance to move into the top two, while Mura extended their unbeaten run to four matches. The entertaining fixture offered fans a glimpse of the competitive nature of this season’s title race.