NK Publikum Celje and Red Bull Salzburg played out a breathless 2-2 draw in their UEFA Europa League league-phase encounter at Stadion Z'dežele on 23 October 2026, a result that underlined Celje’s growing European resilience while leaving Salzburg to rue another away night of missed control.

Salzburg arrived as the more decorated side and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but Celje’s compact shape and sharp transitions made the Slovenian hosts dangerous throughout. Celje led twice and were ultimately denied by a late equaliser, leaving both teams with a point and plenty to ponder in the standings.

Match overview

The game settled into a clear pattern early: Salzburg pushed high through their full-backs, while Celje sat in a disciplined mid-to-low block and looked to spring forward through the channels. That approach paid off in the 18th minute when Armandas Kučys latched onto a quick break and finished calmly past the Salzburg goalkeeper. Salzburg responded with sustained pressure and equalised before half-time through Karim Konaté, who converted from close range after a low cross from the right.

Celje retook the lead just after the hour when Svit Sešlar arrived late in the box and swept a first-time effort into the bottom corner. Salzburg threw more bodies forward in the final 20 minutes, and their persistence finally told in the 86th minute when Oscar Gloukh curled a shot beyond the reach of the home goalkeeper to make it 2-2.

Key moments

• 18th minute: Armandas Kučys gives Celje the lead with a composed finish on the counter.
• 41st minute: Karim Konaté equalises for Salzburg after a dangerous low delivery from the right flank.
• 63rd minute: Svit Sešlar restores Celje’s advantage with a first-time strike from the edge of the area.
• 74th minute: Salzburg have a goal ruled out for offside after a long VAR check, keeping Celje ahead.
• 86th minute: Oscar Gloukh finds the equaliser with a curling effort, denying Celje a famous win.

Tactical story

Celje’s 5-3-2 shape frustrated Salzburg for long spells. The hosts conceded territory but protected the central corridor well, forcing Salzburg into wide areas and speculative crosses. When Celje won the ball, their first pass was often forward and direct, with Kučys and the supporting midfielders exploiting the space behind Salzburg’s advanced full-backs.

Salzburg’s response was to increase the tempo after the break and push an extra midfielder between the lines. That created more overloads around the box, but it also left them exposed to counters. In the end, the Austrian side’s individual quality rescued a point rather than a fully convincing team performance.

Standout performers

Kučys was a constant outlet for Celje, holding the ball up and running the channels with purpose. Sešlar’s energy and late runs into the box gave the hosts a genuine goal threat from midfield. For Salzburg, Konaté’s movement and Gloukh’s composure in tight spaces were the difference between defeat and a draw.

What it means

The draw keeps both sides in the hunt in the Europa League league phase, but Salzburg will know that dropping points against a well-organised opponent could prove costly in the race for the top eight. Celje, meanwhile, can take real confidence from going toe-to-toe with one of the competition’s stronger squads and will believe they can pick up more results at home.