UEFA Europa League Qualifying Round 1

Sabah FA 2 - 3 FT Celje

Item: Sabah FA vs Celje
Rating: 86
Author: Futmetrix

Bank Respublika Arena

Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict

Thu, Jul 10

Sabah FA

2-3

Celje

⚡ Intensity 74

⚖️ Balance 100

🏆 Stakes 33

🎲 Upset 0

Celje steal late qualifying stage thriller

Celje Steal Dramatic Qualifier in Five-Goal Baku Thriller

Must-Watch Futmetrix Score: 86/100. A breathless five-goal epic saw Celje secure a dramatic 90th-minute victory to cap off a qualifying tie defined by wild momentum swings.

A Frantic Opening Exchange

The Stakes were immense for this UEFA Europa League first qualifying round clash, and the action at the Bank Respublika Arena ignited instantly. Supporters barely had time to take their seats before P. Safranko opened the scoring for Sabah FA in the 3rd minute, capitalizing on a sharp delivery from A. Nuriyev. However, the visitors from Slovenia responded immediately. Just four minutes later, F. Kovacevic leveled the tie for Celje, finishing off a sequence crafted by D. Sturm. The relentless early Intensity refused to drop, culminating in an 18th-minute penalty awarded to the hosts. Safranko stepped up and coolly dispatched the spot-kick, completing a remarkable 15-minute goal flurry and restoring the home side's advantage heading into the break.

The Momentum Shifts

Returning for the second half, the Balance of the match shifted completely within three minutes of the restart. Eager to erase their deficit, the visitors burst out of the gates and found their second equalizer of the afternoon. In the 48th minute, F. Kovacevic struck once again, converting a vital pass from N. Iosifov to secure his brace. This rapid response silenced the home crowd and turned the fixture into a tense, tactical chess match. With the score deadlocked at 2-2, both teams fought bitterly for control of the midfield. The tie hung on a knife-edge, with every challenge carrying the weight of European survival as the clock ticked steadily toward the final whistle.

A Stunning Conclusion

As the match wore on, a draw seemed like the inevitable conclusion to this hard-fought battle. However, European qualifying rounds frequently deliver late drama, and this fixture was no exception. In the exact 90th minute, a swift Celje attack carved open the exhausted Sabah FA defense. A. Chidi provided the crucial final ball, allowing D. Hrka to smash home a spectacular last-gasp winner. This final twist completed an incredible series of lead changes and secured a famous 3-2 away victory. The late heroics mean the visitors will carry a precious advantage into the second leg, while the hosts are left to rue their inability to protect a lead twice on home soil.

Key Questions

What caused the 5-goal thriller?

An early goal flurry set a frantic tempo, with both teams exchanging strikes rapidly before a late winner decided the match.

How dramatic was the late winner by D. Hrka?

Incredibly dramatic. D. Hrka struck in the 90th minute to break a tense 2-2 deadlock and snatch an away victory.

How did Sabah FA complete the comeback from behind?

Actually, Celje completed the comeback. Sabah FA took the lead twice through P. Safranko, but the visitors fought back to win.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.