Celje returned to domestic competition late on Wednesday following a challenging fixture in Armenia, where the team secured a 1:2 defeat against Ararat. The context of the match was complicated by the fact that their rivals, Olimpija, had no European obligations during that week. Despite the evident fatigue from the international travel, the performance displayed by the Slovenian side was described as underwhelming.
In preparation for the match, manager Vitor Campelos implemented significant changes to the squad, heavily rotating the initial starting eleven. Of the players who featured in the match in Armenia, only goalkeeper Žan-Luk Leban, Darko Hrka, and Papa Daniel played from the opening whistle. Furthermore, Papa Daniel was ineligible for the subsequent European fixture due to disciplinary action related to cards received during the preceding European return match.
Despite the result, Celje maintained periods of greater offensive threat throughout the contest, generating several notable opportunities, including chances created by Andrej Kotnik and Yaye Dukuly. Following the match, manager Campelos defended his team’s status, asserting that the squad was not operating as a mere “B-team.” The fixture concluded with further commentary from club figures, noting that the match was decided in Celje, and that Olimpija departed the venue without achieving further objectives.
Topics: #campelos #celje #armenia
