Celje Come From Behind to Draw 1-1 With Slovan Bratislava in Champions League Play-off First Leg
Celje fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Slovan Bratislava in the first leg of their Champions League play-off, leaving the tie wide open for the return fixture in Slovenia.
The match kicked off at 8:00pm local time on 19 August 2026 at Slovan's home ground in Bratislava, the opening act of a two-leg play-off — the final hurdle before the Champions League group stage, where Europe's elite clubs begin their campaigns in earnest. BBC Sport
Slovan Bratislava, the Slovakian champions, were chasing a return to the competition proper, having featured in the main tournament before. Their opponents, NK Celje, had never reached the group stage. A debut in Europe's top club competition was on the line for the Slovenian side. UEFA.com
Both clubs had already navigated two prior qualifying rounds just to reach this play-off. CBS Sports
Slovan struck first, putting themselves in front on home soil and seemingly on course for a first-leg advantage. But Celje refused to fold. The visitors found their equaliser in added time, after a pass from Slovan's Camara led to the goal that levelled the match at 1-1 — a detail noted in Slovan's own match report. Slovan Bratislava
A late equaliser changes the arithmetic of any two-leg tie. The team that scores away from home carries that goal into the second leg as a valuable advantage — the away goals rule no longer applies in UEFA competition, but an away draw still leaves the visiting side with momentum and home comfort to come.
For Celje, the result keeps their dream of a first-ever Champions League group-stage appearance alive and well. For Slovan, the disappointment of conceding so late is softened by the fact that the tie remains in their own hands. Win in Slovenia, and the Slovaks are through.
The second leg will settle who advances. A place among Europe's biggest clubs — and the financial and sporting rewards that come with it — awaits the winner.
