Armandas Kučys is making a name for himself in his debut season with NK Celje. In a thrilling match, he scored the game-winning goal that propelled Celje into the Round of 16 of the UEFA Conference League. With this victory, Celje eliminated Cypriot champions APOEL FC, finishing the tie with an aggregate score of 4-2 following a 2-0 win today.
Last week, the Lithuanian striker had an impressive performance, netting a brace in the first leg at home. Kučys managed to give Celje the lead twice, but, unfortunately, both times APOEL quickly equalized, denying Celje a more comfortable advantage heading to Cyprus.
Celjskih 11 za APOEL.
— NK Celje (@NKCelje) February 20, 2025pic.twitter.com/qGQUDVDxlS
When the starting lineup was announced, it came as no surprise to see Armandas Kučys’ name included. As one of the team leaders, he was determined to guide his teammates to an upset victory. The other Lithuanian in Celje Artemijus Tutyškinas was not registered for this round by the Slovenian side.
From the outset of the match, Kučys was notably active. His contributions nearly gave Celje an early lead when he delivered a lofted cross from the right side that found a teammate in the box, only for the header to strike the crossbar.
As the first half drew to a close, Kučys finally got his chance, making no mistake. Rising above the defenders to meet a corner kick, his well-placed header found the back of the net, putting Celje into the lead. The team celebrated as they took the lead on aggregate, and this goal marked Kučys’ third against APOEL in this tie.
ARMA znova!
— NK Celje (@NKCelje) February 20, 2025
45+4' APOEL 0-1 Celje pic.twitter.com/mzjI40IZvE
At the start of the second half, Celje extended their lead when Svit Seslar set up Tamar Svetlin. With this, Celje fans sensed that an upset was on the horizon as their team moved closer to the Round of 16.
In the 73rd minute, Armandas Kučys was substituted off as Celje maintained their winning position in the second leg, ultimately securing their spot in the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 on aggregate.
The draw for the UEFA Conference Round of 16 will take place tomorrow. It will reveal the opponent for Armandas Kučys and Artemijus Tutyškinas’ side. Their potential opponents will be either the Swiss side Lugano or the Swedish team Djurgårdens.
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