On 4 August 2026, the Football Academy Stadium in Yerevan will host an exciting UEFA Champions League qualifying match as Ararat-Armenia takes on Celje in the 3rd Qualifying Round. For the Armenian champions, this match represents a significant opportunity to advance towards their goal of reaching the group stage while also aiming to maintain their strong home record in European competitions. Meanwhile, Celje will look to build on their unbeaten start in this campaign and seek redemption after a heart-wrenching extra-time defeat in Yerevan six years ago.

Season Overview

Ararat-Armenia enters this qualifying round following four Champions League matches in 2026, where they have experienced a mix of results, showcasing their strength at home and vulnerabilities away. The team has netted 7 goals while conceding 5 across these fixtures, with both victories occurring in Yerevan and both losses on the road. This highlights the importance of the Football Academy Stadium as they aim for a spot in the play-off round.

In contrast, Celje's journey in this year's Champions League has been shorter but impressive, remaining unbeaten in their two fixtures with one win and one draw. They have demonstrated an attacking style, scoring 6 goals and conceding 5, indicating a willingness to engage in a high-tempo game. This approach could lead to an exciting and potentially high-scoring encounter.

Current Form

Recent performances indicate that Ararat-Armenia is a team that can be unpredictable yet dangerous. Their Champions League record shows a pattern of alternating results, with a sequence of wins and losses (WLWL). However, their home form is particularly strong, averaging 2.0 goals per match with a perfect defensive record, having not conceded any goals in their two home games. This stark contrast to their away form, where they have allowed 5 goals in two matches, emphasizes their reliance on home advantage.

Celje has approached this European campaign with a more consistent performance, recording a draw and a win (DW). They have managed to score 3 goals in each of their two matches, averaging 3.0 goals per game, but have also conceded 5 goals, indicating a defensive vulnerability. This blend of an effective attack and a shaky defense suggests that the match could be filled with chances, particularly against an Ararat-Armenia side that is adept at scoring at home.

Historical Context

The only previous competitive encounter between these two teams adds an emotional layer to the upcoming match. On 24 September 2020, Ararat-Armenia narrowly defeated Celje 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round after extra time, a match that ended 0-0 in regulation time. The hosts secured victory with a goal in the additional period, a result that still resonates with Celje as they prepare for this crucial clash.

As the teams gear up for this pivotal match, both will be eager to make their mark in the UEFA Champions League, with Ararat-Armenia looking to leverage their home advantage and Celje aiming to overcome past disappointments.