Kvesic’s Penalty Heroics Send Celje Through 4-1 on Pens

Celje Edge Egnatia in Champions League Penalty Drama

Celje survived a monumental scare to progress in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round, defeating Egnatia Rrogozhinë 4-1 on penalties after a pulsating 2-2 draw in Slovenia. What began as a routine European night erupted into chaos when Albanian underdogs Egnatia twice took the lead, only for Mario Kvesic to emerge as the hero with a 97th-minute penalty before converting the decisive spot-kick.

Egnatia’s Dream Start Through Hrka Horror

The visitors were gifted a 21st-minute lead when Celje defender Darko Hrka turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Alessandro Albanese. The Slovenian champions looked rattled, their 4-3-3 system creaking as Egnatia’s wing-backs Karim Loukili and Guillem Jaime bombarded the flanks. But just as the 3,000 travelling Albanian fans began dreaming of a historic upset, Kvesic struck gold in the 34th minute – the Croatian midfielder arriving late to volley home Leonardo Koutris’ cross at the back post.

Substitutions Spark Chaotic Finale

With both managers rolling the dice – Egnatia making a double change on the hour mark, Celje responding with four fresh legs in the final 10 minutes – the game descended into a frantic scrap. Yellow cards flew for Celje’s Papa Daniel (68′), Yannick Dukuly (73′) and Artemijus Tutyskinas (115′), while Egnatia’s Fernando Medeiros (81′), Ilir Gruda (90+1′) and Jaime (90+3′) joined them in the book. Just when extra-time seemed certain, Kvesic converted a 97th-minute penalty after a handball decision that left Egnatia’s bench incandescent.

Smajli Stunner Forces Penalties

The drama wasn’t done. Egnatia substitute Gjergj Smajli – on the pitch just 16 minutes – produced a moment of magic in the 114th minute, curling a 20-yarder into the top corner to send the tie to penalties. But Celje’s nerves held firm: Žan-Luk Leban saved from Kryeziu while Kvesic, Kucys, Sirvys and Dionkou all converted to spark wild celebrations. For Egnatia, the dream dies – but what a way to go.

What This Means For Both Sides

Celje advance to face tougher tests, their Champions League adventure alive but questions lingering about defensive fragility. For Egnatia, this heroic display – coming just three years after their first European appearance – proves Albanian football’s rapid rise. As the Slovenian fans sang into the night, the Albanians left with heads held high: this was football at its most gloriously unpredictable.

Key Moments

21′ ⚽ Egnatia Rrogozhinë — D. Hrka

34′ ⚽ Celje — M. Kvesic

97′ ⚽ Celje — M. Kvesic

114′ ⚽ Egnatia Rrogozhinë — G. Smajli

🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.