Slovan e Celje dividem vitórias no playoff da Liga dos Campeões

ŠK Slovan Bratislava dominated possession early but found themselves pegged back by a determined NK Celje outfit in a competitive opening to their playoff clash. The home side had the first real chance to make an impression and made it count when R. Čerepkai broke the deadlock in the 15th minute, giving the hosts a crucial early advantage. That lead lasted until the interval, when Slovan appeared in control of the tie.

The away side emerged with renewed purpose after the restart and drew level through M. Avdyli in the 41st minute, rescuing the tie just before the whistle. It was a crucial equaliser that shifted the momentum and gave NK Celje genuine belief they could take something from the match. The goal set up a tense second half where both teams traded chances and neither side could find the breakthrough.

Discipline began to fracture as the match wore on. K. Bajrić picked up a yellow card for Slovan in the 45th minute, while Avdyli, the goalscorer, was cautioned in the 58th minute as tempers threatened to boil over. Neither team could muster a winning goal, and the encounter ended all square after 90 minutes.

The 1-1 draw leaves everything to play for in the return leg. Both sides showed enough quality to suggest the tie remains wide open, though Slovan will rue missing the chance to build a winning margin at home. Celje's ability to respond demonstrated their resilience, and they head back knowing an away point keeps their European dream very much alive.