2-1 After Extra Time: Slovan Bratislava Edge Celje in the Play-offs

Slovan Bratislava defeated Celje 2-1 after extra time in the UEFA Champions League play-offs at Arena Z’dezele on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The match was level at 1-1 at half-time before Cristian Martínez scored the decisive goal in the 100th minute.

Early goals set the tone

Slovan took the lead in the 18th minute when A. Sporar finished a normal goal assisted by K. Bajrić. Celje responded from the penalty spot in the 34th minute, with S. Seslar converting to restore parity before the interval. Neither side added to the score during the remainder of normal time, sending the play-off tie into extra time.

The decisive moment arrived five minutes into the additional period. N. Marcelli provided the assist for Martínez, whose normal goal put Slovan ahead for the second time. Celje could not find another equaliser, and the visitors held on to complete a 2-1 win after 120 minutes.

Celje had more of the ball

The statistics showed a match in which Celje controlled possession without turning that advantage into enough goals. The home side had 61% of the ball and completed 605 of 685 passes, compared with Slovan’s 39% possession and 350 accurate passes from 425 attempts. Celje also finished with more total shots, 19 to 17, and more shots off target, 8 to 3.

Slovan, however, edged the key attacking figures that mattered most. The visitors registered eight shots on goal to Celje’s seven and blocked six attempts, while Celje blocked four. Slovan also won more corners, 8-5, and avoided the four offsides recorded against the home side. The numbers therefore contradicted the final score only in terms of territorial control and total attempts: Celje had the greater share of play, but Slovan was more effective in decisive moments.

Late discipline adds to Celje’s frustration

The match became increasingly disciplinary in its closing stages. Celje received yellow cards for P. Sirvys, M. Avdyli, A. Tutyskinas, B. Verbic, V. Campelos and S. Seslar, while S. Cruz was booked for Slovan. A. Kotnik was sent off for Celje in the 119th minute, and Campelos and Seslar were both cautioned in the 120th. Celje finished with 15 fouls, 5 yellow cards and 1 red card, compared with Slovan’s 12 fouls and 1 yellow card.

Bajrić leads the ratings

Kenan Bajrić was the standout performer, receiving an 8.2 rating. He supplied the assist for Sporar, recorded two shots on target, created one key pass and made three tackles across 122 minutes. Martínez also stood out with an 8.0 rating after scoring the extra-time winner and producing three key passes.

The result gives Slovan Bratislava the completed play-off victory, while Celje’s campaign ends with defeat. No standings data is available for either team, so the effect on their league positions cannot be established from the information provided. It also leaves Celje’s listed recent form with a loss in this match, while Slovan’s listed sequence is followed by a win.