Analysis The numbers behind the result
Celje's possession dominance undone by Šporar's early strike and late Martinez winner
Despite controlling 62% possession and outshooting Slovan Bratislava 19 to 17, Celje's territorial dominance wasn't reflected in decisive moments. Andraž Šporar's 18th-minute opener (assisted by Kenan Bajrić) forced the hosts to chase, with Svit Sešlar's 34th-minute penalty restoring parity. Slovan's more economical approach – converting 8 shots on target from just 38% possession – proved decisive, with Cristian Martínez's 100th-minute winner (assisted by Nicolò Marcelli) capitalising on tired legs in extra time. Celje's 5 yellow cards and a late red for Andrej Kotnik underlined their frustration.
The key discrepancy was Slovan's superior shot efficiency: matching Celje's 11 shots inside the box but requiring fewer attempts (17 to 19) to create 8 on target. Slovan also won the corner battle (8 to 5), with Bajrić's delivery for Šporar's goal typifying their set-piece threat. The telling stat? Slovan Bratislava scored twice from just 1.10 xG (via FotMob), while Celje mustered 7 shots on target without finding a second breakthrough beyond the penalty spot.