Slovenian champions NK Celje with three Lithuanians in the starting lineup secured their place in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Albanian champions KF Egnatia on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra time, sealing a 5-5 aggregate score before prevailing 4-1 in the shootout. The victory also guarantees Celje a place in at least the UEFA Conference League league phase for the third consecutive season.
After last week’s entertaining 3-3 draw in Albania, in which Lithuania international Armandas Kučys was among the goalscorers, Celje started Tuesday’s return leg with all three Lithuanian internationals in the starting XI for the first time this season. Kučys led the attack, while Pijus Širvys and Artemijus Tutyškinas started together in defence, with both making their first starts of the campaign.
Egnatia struck first during the opening half to move ahead on aggregate, but Celje responded soon afterwards through Bosnian midfielder Mario Kvesic, whose equaliser ensured the match remained level overall heading into the closing stages. Neither side could find a winner in normal time, sending the tie into extra time with the aggregate score locked at 4-4.
Celje looked to have booked their place in the next round in the 97th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Kvesic calmly converted from the spot to put the Slovenian champions ahead both on the night and on aggregate.
However, the Albanian champions refused to give up. In the 114th minute, Geralb Smajli found the equaliser to make it 2-2 after extra time and 5-5 on aggregate, forcing the tie to be decided by a penalty shootout.
Celje were flawless from the spot, converting all four of their penalties, including the second kick taken by Tutyškinas. Egnatia, meanwhile, scored just one of their three attempts as the Slovenian side advanced with a 4-1 shootout victory.
Both Armandas Kučys and Pijus Širvys were substituted in the 81st minute, while Artemijus Tutyškinas played the entire game. He also received yellow card.
Celje will now face Armenian champions Ararat-Armenia in the third qualifying round. The Armenian side completed a 3-2 aggregate victory over Irish champions Shamrock Rovers.
