TBC 3–3 Celje | UEFA Champions League First Leg | 22 July 2026

An absorbing, end-to-end encounter in the first leg of this Champions League qualifying tie produced a 3–3 draw, leaving everything perfectly poised ahead of the second leg. Both sides had moments to claim all three goals of advantage but ultimately had to settle for parity in a match that swung dramatically across its ninety minutes.

Match Analysis

TBC made the brighter start, and it showed on the scoreboard almost immediately. Eneo Bitri opened the scoring in just the seventh minute, converting with the assistance of Altin Kryeziu to give the home side an early platform. Coach Nevil Dede's side looked composed, but their lead lasted only until the stroke of half-time, when Mario Kvesić levelled for Celje on 45 minutes, Svit Seslar providing the assist in a moment that shifted the match's momentum heading into the break.

Celje came out for the second half with real intent. Armandas Kučys put the Slovenian side in front on 54 minutes, turning home a Leonardo Koutris assist to complete a remarkable turnaround. The visitors appeared in control, but TBC responded quickly. Fernando Medeiros da Silva restored parity at 58 minutes, with Daniel Adjessa — who had entered the game as an early substitute at 16 minutes following Soumaila Bakayoko's departure — providing the key ball.

The game was not done with its twists. Kvesić struck for his second of the evening on 66 minutes, putting Celje back in front and seemingly on course for a valuable away-leg lead. However, TBC's resilience proved decisive. Ibrahim Diabaté, introduced from the bench at 74 minutes, made an immediate impact, heading home on 78 minutes from a Fernando Medeiros assist to make it 3–3 and rescue a crucial leveller for the hosts.

The bookings reflected the game's competitive edge, with five yellow cards distributed across the ninety minutes — Eljon Sota, Arbenit Xhemajli, and a third TBC player were cautioned for the home side, while Papa Mustapha Daniel and a Celje teammate were also booked. Celje shaded possession at 55% to 45%, though both goalkeepers were equally tested, with three shots on target apiece — a figure that underlines just how efficiently both sides converted their opportunities on the night.

Prediction Review

Our pre-match forecast pointed toward a Celje victory, assigning the away side a 47% probability of winning, compared to a 27% chance of a draw and 26% for a TBC home win. The confidence level of 49/100 reflected genuine uncertainty about this contest, and that proved well-founded. The draw was within our projected range of outcomes, though we had leaned toward Celje edging it given the statistical indicators. In the end, TBC's determination and Diabaté's late intervention meant our prediction fell short.

Takeaways

The tie is wide open heading into the second leg. Celje will be encouraged by Kvesić's brace and their ability to take the lead on two separate occasions, while TBC can take heart from their character in repeatedly finding an answer. Diabaté's impact as a substitute will give Dede food for thought regarding his starting lineup for the return fixture, while Celje's coach Vítor Campelos must address his side's inability to hold a late lead. With the aggregate level at 3–3, every detail of the second leg will matter.