Egnatia's adventure in the UEFA Champions League ends. The Albanian champions were eliminated in the second qualifying round, after being eliminated by the Slovenians Celje only after penalty kicks, in a dramatic match that lasted 120 minutes and ended with a score of 2-2.
The team led by Nevil Dede started the match well and took the lead thanks to an own goal by Hrka. However, the home team reacted quickly and overturned the result with two goals from Mario Kvesic, who also proved decisive from the penalty spot, after a penalty caused by Eneo Bitri.
When elimination seemed inevitable, Egnatia showed character and restored balance in the final minutes. A spectacular shot by Geralb Smajli sent the scores to 2-2, taking the challenge first to extra time and then to penalties.
In the penalty shootout, luck was not on the side of the Albanian champions. Eneo Bitri was the first to miss from the penalty spot, while Ndreca also failed to score. Celje proved to be accurate in their executions and secured qualification with a score of 4-1 in the penalty shootout.
What happens to Egnatia?
However, the elimination from the Champions League does not end Egnatia's European journey. Thanks to the new UEFA competition format, the Albanian champions will continue their adventure in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.
The next opponent will be Shamrock Rovers, the champions of Ireland, who come into this stage after being eliminated by Ararat Armenia in the Champions League. The confrontation with the Irish will be another opportunity for Egnatia to remain in the race for a place in the group stages of European competitions.
Even if they fail to get past Shamrock Rovers, the team from Rrogozhina has not given up hope for Europe. As champions of Albania, they are already guaranteed participation in the UEFA Conference League play-offs, still in the running for a historic qualification in the group stage.
CELJE 2-2 EGNATIA (3-3)
