Armandas Kučys was on the scoresheet in the UEFA Conference League play-off round, but it was a dramatic late winner by Poplatnik that ultimately gave his NK Celje a 3-2 victory away to Kosovo’s NK Drita in the first leg.
Celje, current leaders of the Slovenian championship, travelled to Pristina after progressing steadily through the Conference League league phase. Drita had secured their play-off place with eight points from six matches, setting up a competitive first-leg encounter in the Kosovan capital.
Both Lithuanian internationals in the Celje squad started the match. The 22-year-old Kučys led the attack, while Artemijus Tutyškinas operated at left-back.
After early pressure from the home side, the match settled and Celje struck first in the 19th minute. Following a corner, the initial effort was blocked, but the loose ball fell to Kučys, who finished powerfully from close range to put the visitors ahead.
Celje doubled their lead before half-time through Milot Avdyli, taking a 2-0 advantage into the break.
The second half brought a complete shift in momentum. Drita reduced the deficit in the 59th minute and equalised 16 minutes later when Liridon Balaj scored from a tight angle to make it 2-2. The hosts controlled much of the late possession and created the more dangerous opportunities as they looked to complete the turnaround.
However, in added time Celje found the decisive moment. Poplatnik met a cross with a diving header to restore the visitors’ lead and secure a 3-2 win, dramatically changing the outlook of the tie before the return leg in Slovenia.
Kučys’ goal was his first in this season’s European campaign. Last season he scored eight goals in eight Conference League matches and, since returning from a long-term injury, he has now registered five goals in five appearances in all competitions. He was substituted in the 63rd minute, while Tutyškinas played the full match in defence.
Celje now take a narrow advantage back home for the second leg next week, but before that they face a domestic league fixture away to Aluminij.
