Celje Stun Sturm Graz 3-2 in Europa League Thriller

Sturm Graz 2-3 Celje: Europa League Drama at the Liebenauer

A deafening silence fell over the Liebenauer as Slovenian minnows Celje stunned Sturm Graz 3-2 in a Europa League group stage classic that defied all logic. The hosts dominated possession (62%) and fired 31 shots, but Svit Seslar’s brace and clinical counter-attacking tore up the script.

Celje Defy the Odds Early

The visitors survived an early barrage before Seslar announced the upset in the 29th minute, outmuscling Luca Weinhandl to lash home against the run of play. Sturm Graz’s 20 first-half shots told only half the story – their finishing was as wild as their xG (2.92) was inflated. Yet Oumar Diakité briefly restored order five minutes before half-time, tapping in from close range after chaotic defending.

But Celje struck back instantly. Milot Avdyli’s whipped cross found Benjamin Verbič ghosting between defenders, his header arcing over Arthur Helac to make it 2-1 at the break. The Slovenians celebrated like they’d scored the winner – little did they know what drama awaited.

Seslar Seals It for Sturm Graz

The second half became a siege. Sturm Graz pinned Celje back – 12 corners, 14 blocked shots, goalkeeper Žan-Luk Leban pulling off five saves. Diakité’s 69th-minute booking for dissent summed up Austrian frustration. Then, against all odds, Seslar struck again in the 73rd. A rare Celje foray saw him peel off the last defender and slot calmly under Helac for 3-1.

Diakíte’s 93rd-minute header from Gizo Mamageishvili’s cross set up a frantic finale, but Celje’s defence held firm through seven agonising minutes of stoppage time. Centre-back Artemijus Tutyskinas epitomised their spirit, racking up 13 clearances and an early yellow card for tactical fouling.

What This Means for Both Teams

For Sturm Graz, this was a brutal lesson in profligacy. Dominating every metric but the scoreboard leaves their European hopes dangling by a thread. Next up? A must-win trip to Serbia.

Celje’s players collapsed to their knees at full-time. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. With Slovenian flags fluttering in the away end, they’ve suddenly made Group F wide open. Watch out Europe – the underdogs are barking.

Key Moments

29′ ⚽ Celje — Svit Seslar

40′ ⚽ Sturm Graz — Oumar Diakité

45′ ⚽ Celje — Benjamin Verbič (assist: Milot Avdyli)

73′ ⚽ Celje — Svit Seslar

90+3′ ⚽ Sturm Graz — Oumar Diakité (assist: Gizo Mamageishvili)