Ararat-Armenia FC gave themselves a slender first-leg advantage in UEFA Champions League qualifying by edging NK Publikum Celje 2-1 at home on August 5, 2026. The Armenian side’s two first-half goals proved just enough as Celje pulled one back and pushed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages.

Match Overview

The match started at a high tempo, with both teams looking to impose themselves early. Ararat-Armenia struck first in the 22nd minute, finishing off a swift move that sliced through the Celje defense. The home side doubled their lead just before half-time from a set-piece, giving them full control of the tie at the break.

Second-Half Response

Celje came out with renewed determination after the restart. They reduced the deficit in the 58th minute with a powerful header from a corner, setting up a tense final half-hour. Ararat-Armenia created chances to restore their two-goal cushion but found Celje’s goalkeeper in inspired form. In stoppage time, Celje had a golden opportunity to level the tie when a shot rattled the crossbar, leaving the aggregate score finely poised.

Key Players

• Ararat-Armenia’s number nine: Scored the opening goal and occupied the Celje center-backs all night.
• Celje’s goalkeeper: Kept his side in the tie with a series of saves in the second half.
• Celje’s captain: Led the fightback and scored the crucial away goal that could prove decisive.

What This Means for the Tie

The 2-1 scoreline leaves everything to play for in the second leg. An away goal for Celje means Ararat-Armenia cannot simply sit back; they will need either to match the result or score more than once in Slovenia. For Celje, a 1-0 home victory in the return leg would be enough to advance, making the tie genuinely balanced.

Ararat-Armenia will take confidence from their first-half performance, while Celje will believe the away goal gives them the edge. The second leg promises an intriguing tactical battle with European group-stage football on the line.