Three Lithuanians' team fails to reach UEFA Champions League

The UEFA Champions League dream has ended for the team featuring Lithuanian players Armando Kučys, Artemijaus Tutyškinas, and Pijus Širvys. Playing at home, their club Celje (Slovenia) suffered a 1-2 defeat after extra time against Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia), following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Slovan Bratislava secured their spot in the Champions League, while Celje will now compete in the UEFA Europa League group stage. Tutyškinas and Širvys started the match, with Širvys receiving a yellow card and being substituted in the 73rd minute. Tutyškinas played the entire game and also received a yellow card. Kučys entered the field in the 80th minute.

Slovan took the lead in the 18th minute through Andraž Šporar, but Celje equalized before halftime with a penalty converted by Svitas Sešlar in the 34th minute. Celje had several more excellent opportunities, but the opposing goalkeeper made crucial saves. The home team pressed their opponents and dominated possession, creating more dangerous shots, but they were unable to translate this advantage into goals.

Cristian Martinez scored the decisive goal for Slovan early in the first period of extra time, at the 100th minute, ultimately securing their progression. Despite their efforts and a perceived better performance, Celje could not overcome the Slovakian side.