Lithuanian international striker Armandas Kučys was on target in the Slovenian PrvaLiga, but his club NK Celje suffered a surprising 1-2 defeat to Aluminij.
The 23-year-old forward opened the scoring in the 30th minute, putting the league leaders ahead. Kučys finished off a quick counterattack after finding space inside the penalty area and receiving a well-timed pass before calmly placing the ball into the net. It was his sixth goal in eight matches since returning from a long-term injury earlier this season.
However, the match turned in the second half. The visitors first conceded an equaliser before Aluminij struck again in the second minute of stoppage time, completing an unexpected comeback. The defeat marked Celje’s second consecutive league loss, the first time this season the team has lost back-to-back matches in the Slovenian championship.
Kučys played 82 minutes before being substituted, while fellow Lithuanian Artemijus Tutyškinas came on from the bench in the 63rd minute.
Despite the setback, Celje remain at the top of the Slovenian league table. However, their closest rivals Maribor could close the gap to five points if they win their match this weekend.
Celje will now turn their attention to European competition. Their next match is scheduled for next Thursday, when they host AEK Athens in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League Round of 16.
