Serobyan Stuns Celje as Ararat-Armenia Triumph 2-1

Ararat-Armenia 2-1 Celje. The Armenian champions roared back from a goal down to claim a seismic victory in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, turning the Yerevan air electric as Artur Serobyan and Franca Carlos wrote their names in folklore.

Celje Strike First in Tense Champions League Qualifier

The Slovenian visitors silenced the home crowd after just 21 minutes when Svit Seslar coolly converted from the spot, sending Joao Bravim the wrong way. Celje’s compact 3-4-3 formation stifled Ararat’s early attacks, with veteran midfielder Mario Kvesic dictating tempo like a metronome in the Armenian humidity.

Ararat-Armenia’s Spirited Fightback

The game flipped in a breathless six-minute spell before halftime. Serobyan, the whippet-quick winger, latched onto a loose ball in the 38th minute to rifle home the equaliser, sparking pandemonium in the stands. The momentum shift was palpable – Tulipa’s men smelled blood. Even the Armenian coach’s yellow card for dissent four minutes later couldn’t dampen the rising belief.

Franca Carlos Seals Dramatic Champions League Win

After the break, the game became a chess match of substitutions, but it was Ararat’s double change on 59 minutes that proved decisive. Fresh legs brought fresh ideas, and in the 70th minute, substitute Franca Carlos timed his run perfectly to meet Edgar Grigoryan’s whipped cross, sending the home supporters into raptures. Celje’s late flurry saw Pijus Sirvys booked in stoppage time, but the Slovenians couldn’t breach Ararat’s defiant backline in a tense finale.

What This Champions League Result Means

For Ararat-Armenia, this 2-1 victory represents arguably their finest European night – a comeback win that keeps their Champions League dream alive against all odds. Celje must regroup quickly; their Champions League aspirations now hinge on the second leg at home, where they’ll need to overturn this deficit without suspended key man Kvesic. One thing’s certain – the return fixture will be played with Armenian hearts still pounding from this unforgettable night.