Celje vs Ararat-Armenia: Champions League Third Qualifying
NK Celje host Ararat-Armenia on Tuesday 11 August 2026 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie, with a place in the play-off round the prize for the winners. The Slovenian champions are looking to carry a lead into next week's return fixture in Yerevan against an Armenian side appearing at this stage of the competition for the first time in their history.
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Ararat-Armenia head coach Manuel Tulipa has a fully fit squad to choose from and is expected to name his strongest available side. Joao Bravim is set to continue in goal, shielded by a central-defensive pairing of Bruno Wilson and Junior Bueno. The attacking trio of Artur Serobyan, Sandro Lima and Zhirayr Shaghoyan — all prominent during the earlier qualifying rounds — is likely to lead the visitors' threat going forward.
Celje boss can recall midfielder Papa Daniel, who was rested for the club’s most recent domestic fixture and is expected to step straight back into the starting eleven. Zan-Luk Leban will start in goal behind a back four of Leonardo Koutris, Artemijus Tutyskinias, Darko Hrka and Pijus Sirvys. Mario Kvesic, who has caught the eye in this qualifying campaign with his set-piece delivery and two goals in the previous round, is set to contribute in attack alongside Svit Seslar, with Milot Avdyli providing width from the flank.
