Celje earned its first Europa League point of the season with a 2-2 draw against Salzburg, as Blaž Kramer and Armandas Kučys scored late goals to secure a dramatic comeback.
Celje secured its first Europa League point of the 2026 season with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Salzburg.
The Slovenian champions had lost their first two group-stage matches.
They fought back after trailing 0-2 at halftime, with Blaž Kramer and Armandas Kučys scoring late goals to force the draw.
Salzburg Dominates Early Before Celje Fights Back
Salzburg took an early lead in the 9th minute when Sota Kitano converted a 12-meter shot following a lost ball in midfield. The Austrian side maintained control for much of the first half, with Haris Tabaković missing a key chance in the 23rd minute. Celje, meanwhile, struggled to gain momentum, though they showed glimpses of promise, with Veton Tushe hitting the post in the 27th minute.
Jesper Lindstrøm, a 26-year-old forward with experience at clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt and Napoli, scored in the 46th minute to extend Salzburg’s lead to 2-0. The second half began with a decisive shift.
Celje’s response was immediate: Kramer equalized in the 50th minute with a well-taken goal in the box, sparking hope among the 3,000-4,000 home fans.
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Kučys Secures Last-Minute Draw
The match reached its climax in the 90th minute when Yaya Dukuly set up Armandas Kučys, who struck the ball into the net after it deflected off the Salzburg goalkeeper. The goal, which came just moments after Salzburg had nearly extended their lead, sent the Celje crowd into a frenzy and secured the point for the Slovenian side.
Kramer, who scored Celje’s first European goal of the season, praised his teammates’ resilience in post-match comments. We showed character from start to finish, he said.
Celje Travels to Face Sturm Graz
Celje’s next Europa League fixtures include a trip to Graz for a match against Sturm Graz on November 5. The draw against Salzburg, while not a victory, highlights the team’s potential to compete with stronger European sides.
The result also marks a turning point for Celje, which had struggled in its previous European campaigns. With the support of its fans and a more cohesive performance, the team now has a chance to push for a deeper run in the competition.
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