NK Celje vs Drita: Celje Advances to the Round of 16 After a Dramatic Victory Over Drita
Slovenian club NK Celje secured a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) round of 16 after a narrow 3-2 victory over Kosovo’s Drita. The match, held at the Z’dežele Stadium, saw Celje, nicknamed The Counts, advance with a total aggregate score of 6-4.
This victory extends Celje’s impressive record, as they remain undefeated in their last 14 home matches. With a 3-2 lead from the first leg last week, Celje started the match with confidence.
Celje’s relentless pressure paid off in the 20th minute when Svit Sešlar opened the scoring with a close-range finish after a pass from Armandas Kucys. Just four minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead. From a corner kick, Damjan Vukliševic’s header was initially blocked on the goal line, but the loose ball was immediately pounced on by Darko Hrka, making it 2-0.
Drita quickly responded three minutes later with a header from Blerim Krasniqi, capitalizing on a free-kick. However, just before halftime, Celje extended their lead through a penalty after Rudi Vancaš was fouled in the box. Svit Sešlar, stepping up as the penalty taker, successfully deceived the opposing goalkeeper, marking his sixth goal in his last six matches.
In the second half, Drita immediately pushed forward to reduce the aggregate deficit. Six minutes after the break, Albert Dabiqaj managed to narrow the score to 3-2 with a volley following a cross from Liridon Balaj.
The match became increasingly intense with both teams trading attacks. Celje almost extended their lead when Nikita Iosifov unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area, but the ball only hit the goalpost.
In the remaining time, Drita continued to try to score two more goals to force extra time. Despite being under heavy pressure, Celje’s defense remained solid, repelling the opponent’s attacks until the final whistle.
With this result, Drita’s European journey this season officially ends after suffering a 3-2 defeat in both legs of the play-off. Meanwhile, Celje now awaits their opponent in the round of 16, which will be either Czech giants Sparta Prague or Greek side AEK Athens. This success proves Celje’s consistency, as they reached the quarter-finals in the same competition last season. (Flash Score/Z-2)