Franca Carlos Completes Ararat-Armenia’s 2-1 Comeback Victory Over Celje

Franca Carlos Completes Ararat-Armenia Comeback Against Celje

Ararat-Armenia completed a 2-1 comeback victory over Celje in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Celje took the lead through S. Seslar’s penalty, but A. Serobyan equalized before half-time and Franca Carlos delivered the decisive goal in the 70th minute.

Celje Take Early Lead Through Seslar Penalty

Celje made the stronger start and moved in front after 21 minutes when S. Seslar converted a penalty. The spot-kick gave the visitors an early advantage and put Ararat-Armenia in the position of having to respond on home territory.

Seslar’s finish was Celje’s reward for establishing the first major moment of the contest, but the lead did not last until the interval. Ararat-Armenia remained within reach and gradually found a route back into the match before the break.

Serobyan Restores Parity Before Half-Time

Ararat-Armenia restored parity in the 38th minute through A. Serobyan. His normal-play goal arrived 17 minutes after Seslar’s penalty and ensured the teams went into half-time level at 1-1.

The equalizer was an important turning point for the hosts, who avoided carrying a deficit into the second half. Celje had controlled the scoreboard early, but Serobyan’s response left the match evenly poised and gave Ararat-Armenia renewed momentum.

Franca Carlos Delivers Decisive Second-Half Goal

Ararat-Armenia completed the turnaround in the 70th minute when Franca Carlos scored from normal play. E. Grigoryan supplied the assist, and Carlos’ finish put the home side 2-1 ahead for the first time.

The goal proved decisive as Ararat-Armenia protected its advantage through the remainder of the match. Carlos was the standout player on the scoresheet with the winning goal, while Serobyan’s earlier equalizer had laid the foundation for the comeback.

Cards, Form and Match Context

Referee Ivan Kružliak of Slovakia showed three yellow cards during the match. Tulipa was booked for Ararat-Armenia in the 42nd minute, M. Kvesic received a caution for Celje in the 58th minute, and P. Daniel was shown a yellow card in the 90th minute.

The result ended Ararat-Armenia’s listed run of alternating wins and losses with a positive home result, while Celje’s recent sequence of a draw and a win was followed by defeat. No current standings data was available for either team, so the match’s precise effect on their league positions cannot be stated; in the qualifying round, however, Ararat-Armenia secured the important victory.