NK Publikum Celje claimed a dramatic 3-2 UEFA Europa League victory away to Sturm Graz on 6 November 2026, winning a five-goal contest that swung back and forth until the closing stages. Celje’s attacking ruthlessness in transition proved decisive against a Sturm side that enjoyed plenty of possession but were punished for moments of defensive hesitation.

Match overview

The game started at a high tempo, with Sturm Graz looking to impose themselves at home and Celje content to attack quickly whenever they won the ball. That approach paid off early for the visitors, who took the lead by exploiting space behind Sturm’s advanced full-backs. Sturm responded well, equalising after a period of sustained pressure, but Celje restored their advantage before half-time with a sharp counter-attacking move.

Sturm pushed hard after the break and eventually drew level again, setting up a tense final phase. Just when the match seemed destined to end in a draw, Celje found a late winner, capitalising on a defensive lapse and converting with composure. The goal silenced the home crowd and capped a resilient away performance.

Key moments

• Celje strike first: An early break down the right ended with a calm finish, giving the visitors a shock lead.
• Sturm equalise: The home side responded through a well-constructed attack, finishing from close range after sustained pressure.
• Celje regain control: A quick transition caught Sturm out of shape, and Celje restored their lead before the interval.
• Second Sturm comeback: Sturm levelled again after the break, lifting the home crowd and raising hopes of a winner.
• Late drama: Celje scored the decisive goal in the final minutes, punishing Sturm’s failure to clear their lines.

Tactical story

Sturm Graz controlled much of the ball, building patiently and using their midfield to probe for openings. However, their commitment to pushing players forward left them vulnerable to Celje’s counter-attacks. The Slovenian side defended in a mid-block, invited pressure and then broke with purpose, often targeting the channels on either side of Sturm’s central defenders.

The key difference was efficiency. Sturm created a reasonable number of chances but were not always clinical, while Celje made the most of their best moments. The visitors’ willingness to commit numbers forward in transition, even late in the game, was rewarded with the winning goal. Sturm’s players will look back at the goals conceded as avoidable, particularly the decisive late strike.

Standout performers

Celje’s forward line caused problems throughout, with sharp movement and direct running stretching Sturm’s back line. The midfield also played a crucial role, winning possession and turning defence into attack quickly. For Sturm, the attacking midfielders worked tirelessly to create chances, but the defensive unit struggled to cope with Celje’s speed on the break.

What it means

The win is a significant boost for NK Publikum Celje’s Europa League campaign, giving them three valuable points on the road against a difficult opponent. For Sturm Graz, the defeat is a frustrating setback, especially after twice fighting back to level the score. The result underlines how costly small defensive lapses can be in European competition, and both sides will take clear lessons into their next league-phase fixtures.