Seven-Goal Thriller: Egnatia and Celje Share Spoils in Champions League Classic

Egnatia and NK Publikum Celje played out a breathless 3-3 draw in a UEFA Champions League qualifying first-leg thriller on 23 July 2026. The match at the Egnatia Arena featured end-to-end action, six different goalscorers, and a late equaliser that left both sides with mixed emotions.

The hosts raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes, only for Celje to storm back with three unanswered strikes before halftime. Egnatia rallied after the break, and substitute Rasim Laci fired home a stunning equaliser with 15 minutes remaining to set up a tense second leg in Slovenia.

First-Half Fireworks

The match exploded into life in the 8th minute. A corner was only half-cleared, and Ermal Tahiri volleyed low into the corner to give Egnatia the lead. Ten minutes later, Bruno Lulaj doubled the advantage with a powerful header from a free-kick, leaving Celje reeling.

But the Slovenian champions responded emphatically. Luka Šušnjara pulled one back in the 25th minute with a composed finish after a counter-attack. Alen Ozbilj levelled just before the half-hour mark with a curling free-kick, and Dino Hotic put Celje ahead in the 39th minute with a low drive through a crowded box. The turnaround stunned the home crowd, and the visitors went into the break leading 3-2.

Second-Half Drama and a Fitting Ending

Egnatia came out with renewed intensity after the interval, pressing high and forcing Celje into mistakes. The equaliser finally came in the 75th minute. A long ball forward was flicked on by Reginaldo, and Laci, who had just come off the bench, smashed a first-time shot past the helpless Celje goalkeeper.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the final minutes. Celje hit the crossbar through a Matic Črnic free-kick, while Egnatia's Tahiri saw a goal-bound effort cleared off the line. The draw leaves the tie finely balanced, with away goals not used as a tiebreaker in this competition.

Tactical Analysis: Chaos and Quality

The match was a tactical rollercoaster. Egnatia's high defensive line was exploited by Celje's speed on the break, especially in the first half. However, the home side's relentless pressing after the break forced Celje into errors. Celje's midfield trio of Rok Baskera, Žan Žužek, and Alen Ozbilj controlled possession in spells but lacked the composure to see the game out.

Man of the Match

• Ermal Tahiri (Egnatia) – One goal and a constant menace. His energy drove Egnatia's fightback.
• Rasim Laci (Egnatia) – The impact substitute changed the game with a sensational equaliser.
• Luka Šušnjara (Celje) – Clinical finishing and intelligent movement in the first half sparked Celje's comeback.

What's Next?

The second leg in Celje will be a winner-takes-all affair. Egnatia will back themselves to score again, while Celje will take confidence from their first-half display. One thing is certain: this tie is far from over after a classic European encounter.