Egnatia 3-3 NK Publikum Celje: A Seven-Goal Thriller in Champions League First Qualifying Round
In one of the most entertaining ties of the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round, Albanian underdogs Egnatia fought back from two goals down to earn a dramatic 3-3 draw against Slovenian champions NK Publikum Celje at the Elbasan Arena on July 23, 2026. The six-goal spectacle saw both sides exhibit attacking courage and defensive frailty, leaving the second leg wide open.
Match Overview
The match exploded into life early as Celje took control inside the opening 20 minutes. Two goals from striker Luka Štor and midfielder Matic Črnic put the visitors in a commanding position, but Egnatia responded with a revitalizing strike before halftime. The second half became an end-to-end affair: Celje restored their two-goal cushion, only for Egnatia to mount a stunning late comeback with two goals in the final ten minutes, including a stoppage-time equalizer. The final score of 3-3 means everything is still to play for in the return leg in Slovenia.
Key Moments
- 0-1 (12′): Štor heads home from a corner after Egnatia’s zonal marking fails.
- 0-2 (19′): Črnic smashes a half-volley from 25 yards into the top corner – a goal-of-the-season contender.
- 1-2 (33′): Egnatia captain Ardit Hoxha latches onto a defensive error and slots home to give his side hope.
- 1-3 (58′): Celje’s winger Alen Ožbolt cuts inside and curls a precise shot beyond the goalkeeper.
- 2-3 (81′): Substitute forward Redi Kasa meets a cross with a powerful header to reduce the deficit.
- 3-3 (90+2′): In a frantic finale, Egnatia’s center-back Enes Muja rises highest from a free-kick to equalize in stoppage time.
Tactical Story
Egnatia coach Orges Shehi opted for a 4-2-3-1, aiming to control midfield but was caught out by Celje’s direct counters and set-piece efficiency. Celje’s 4-4-2 diamond overloaded central areas, allowing Štor and Črnic time and space. After falling behind, Egnatia switched to a more aggressive 3-4-3, pushing wing-backs high. This gamble paid off as Celje’s defense, which had been solid, began to crack under sustained pressure. The hosts’ physicality and aerial threat from set pieces ultimately earned them a deserved point.
Standout Players
- Luka Štor (Celje): Scored the opener and created the third goal with intelligent hold-up play.
- Redi Kasa (Egnatia): The super-sub who changed the game, scoring one and assisting the equalizer with a flick-on.
- Matic Črnic (Celje): His stunning strike and overall midfield dominance drove Celje’s early advantage.
- Enes Muja (Egnatia): The center-back’s stoppage-time header was the defining moment of the match.
Season and Table Impact
The draw leaves the tie finely balanced. Celje will feel disappointed not to have protected their two-goal lead, but they take three away goals to Slovenia. Egnatia will be buoyed by their never-say-die attitude and now have a genuine chance of advancing for the first time in their history. The winner of this tie will face either Dinamo Zagreb or Valmiera in the second qualifying round. With both teams showing attacking flair, the second leg promises more drama.