Celje beats Olimpija with a goal from 18-year-old debutant

NK Celje secured a vital 1-0 victory over Olimpija in the fourth round of Slovenia's PrvaLiga, with an 18-year-old debutant scoring the decisive goal. Tilen Letonja, born in 2008, netted his first senior goal in the 70th minute, marking a memorable start to his career and securing three points for his team.

The match saw a changed lineup for Celje, as coach Vitor Campelos focused on the upcoming Europa Conference League qualifier against Ararat. Despite the altered squad, Celje was the more dangerous side throughout the game and deservedly earned their first win of the season. Olimpija, conversely, struggled offensively and remains with only three points after three losses, while Celje now has two more.

Early in the first half, Celje's Andrej Kotnik had a couple of promising chances, including a one-on-one opportunity with the Olimpija goalkeeper, but failed to convert. Olimpija's Marvin Cuni also tested Celje's goalkeeper, Žan Luka Leban, with a shot in the 13th minute. The first half saw few clear-cut chances for either side, with both teams playing cautiously and ending the half at 0-0.

The second half began with substitutions, including a notable one for the referees due to an injury. Celje fans warmly welcomed the return of Benjamin Verbič, who last played for the club in May 2015, and Mario Kvesić. Letonja's goal came after Olimpija's goalkeeper Matevž Vidovšek fumbled the ball, allowing the young striker to tap it into an empty net. Celje then managed the game effectively, building confidence before their European fixture.