NK Celje, represented by Lithuania internationals Armandas Kučys and Artemijus Tutyškinas, progressed to the next round of the UEFA Conference League after defeating Kosovo champions FC Drita 3-2 for the second time in a week, securing a 6-4 aggregate victory.
Last week in Pristina, the current Slovenian league leaders claimed a dramatic 3-2 win thanks to a last-second goal, giving them a narrow advantage heading into the return leg at home. In that first encounter, 22-year-old forward Kučys found the net to help his side take the lead.
In the second leg, only one Lithuanian started the match – Kučys – while Tutyškinas began on the bench. As in the first meeting, Celje opened the scoring, with Kučys again involved in the key moment. In the 19th minute, a cross reached the Lithuanian striker, whose initial attempt was not cleanly struck, but the ball fell perfectly into the path of teammate Svit Sešlar, who converted from close range.
Celje doubled their advantage just four minutes later. While before halftime, both teams exchanged goals, leaving the Slovenian side 45 minutes away from reaching the Round of 16.
Early in the second half, Drita pulled one goal back, but they needed two more to force extra time. That comeback never materialised, and Celje secured another 3-2 victory to move forward in the competition.
Kučys played 88 minutes before being substituted, while Tutyškinas remained on the bench throughout the match.
In the next round, Celje will face either Greek side AEK Athens FC or Czech club AC Sparta Prague. Their opponent will be confirmed following the draw tomorrow.
Source: https://www.uefa.com/uefaconferenceleague/match/2047739–celje-vs-drita/
