Slovenian champions NK Celje, featuring Lithuanian trio Armandas Kučys, Artemijus Tutyškinas and Pijus Širvys in the starting lineup, surrendered a first-half lead as they suffered a 1-2 defeat away to Armenian side Ararat-Armenia in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie.
All three Lithuanian internationals were named in the starting XI for another crucial European encounter, with Celje looking to take an advantage back to Slovenia.
The visitors made the brighter start and were rewarded in the 22nd minute when Svit Seslar confidently converted a penalty to put the Slovenian champions 1-0 ahead.
However, their lead lasted only 16 minutes. Armenian international Artur Serobyan restored parity before half-time, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
Despite enjoying more possession and controlling much of the ball after the interval, Celje were unable to regain the lead. Instead, it was Ararat-Armenia who struck the decisive blow when substitute Franca Carlos scored in the second half, netting his second goal of this season’s UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign to complete the turnaround.
Celje finished the match with the statistical advantage, dominating possession while outshooting their opponents 16-12, including a 5-2 edge in efforts on target. However, they were unable to convert their superiority into goals and will head into next week’s return leg trailing by one goal.
Artemijus Tutyškinas and Pijus Širvys both completed the full 90 minutes, while striker Armandas Kučys was substituted in the 64th minute.
The second leg will be played next Tuesday in Slovenia, where Celje will attempt to overturn the one-goal deficit and keep their UEFA Champions League hopes alive.
