NK Publikum Celje 2-0 Ararat-Armenia: Slovenian side takes control of Champions League qualifying tie

NK Publikum Celje gave themselves a commanding platform for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifying tie with a composed 2-0 victory over Ararat-Armenia FC on August 12, 2026. Under the floodlights at Stadion Z'dežele, the Slovenian champions controlled the tempo from start to finish and will travel to Yerevan with a healthy cushion.

Match overview

Celje dictated the early exchanges, pressing high and forcing Ararat-Armenia into a deep defensive block. The visitors, making their first appearance of the new European season, struggled to retain possession for any meaningful stretch, while the hosts' full-backs pushed high to create consistent width. The breakthrough came midway through the first half, and from that point the match followed the expected script: Celje comfortable, Ararat-Armenia searching in vain for an away goal.

Key moments

• 23rd minute – Celje take the lead: A sharp combination down the right flank saw the ball squared across the box for striker Nejc Drobne, who swept a first-time finish into the bottom corner past Ararat goalkeeper Vardan Shahinyan.
• 52nd minute – Ararat miss a golden chance: The visitors won a penalty after a rare burst forward, but Celje goalkeeper Luka Petrič guessed correctly and pushed the spot-kick around the post, preserving the hosts' advantage.
• 78th minute – Celje seal it: Substitute Matic Vrbančič latched onto a through ball after a quick counter-attack and clipped the ball over an onrushing Shahinyan to double the lead.

Tactical story

Celje lined up in a fluid 4-2-3-1 that allowed their attacking midfielders to drift into the half-spaces behind the striker. The double pivot of Tilen Vodišek and Alen Kovačec dominated the central midfield, limiting Ararat-Armenia's ability to build through the middle. In contrast, the Armenian side set up conservatively in a 5-4-1, but despite the extra defensive body, they were repeatedly exposed on the flanks and in transition. Celje's width, especially from right-back Žan Žužek, created a constant overload that the visitors were unable to manage for 90 minutes.

Standout players

• Nejc Drobne (Celje): The striker's intelligent movement and clinical finishing put Celje ahead, and his link-up play was the backbone of the home attack.
• Luka Petrič (Celje): The penalty save early in the second half was pivotal, denying Ararat-Armenia a lifeline and keeping the clean sheet intact.
• Žan Žužek (Celje): The right-back offered relentless energy going forward and delivered the cross for the opening goal.

Season impact

This result gives NK Publikum Celje a significant advantage ahead of the second leg in Yerevan. The Slovenian side, aiming to reach the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time in their history, can now approach the return fixture with a degree of control that will force Ararat-Armenia to push forward from the first whistle. For the Armenian champions, the task is simple but daunting: they must overturn a two-goal deficit against a team that has yet to concede in this qualification campaign. With a defensive masterclass in the first leg and a fired-up home crowd behind them, Celje will feel confident of finishing the job on the road.