Ararat-Armenia to host Celje in Champions League third‑qualifying round

Ararat‑Armenia will meet Slovenian side Celje at the Vazgen Sarg‑syan Republican Stadium on 4 August 2026 for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third‑qualifying round. The match is set for 20:00 local time and will decide which club advances to the play‑off stage. Ararat‑Armenia, making their deepest run in the competition, have won both of their previous home legs but lost the away fixtures, so a strong home performance is crucial. Celje arrived after a penalty‑shootout victory over Egnatia in the second qualifying round and sit seventh in the Slovenian top flight. Celje captain Mark Zabukovnik, speaking before the game, noted the team is not yet at peak fitness after a serious injury last season but expects to be in optimal condition for the match. The winner will move on to a play‑off draw that could include clubs such as Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Crvena zvezda, Dinamo Zagreb, Celtic Glasgow and others, with a potential UEFA prize of over €8 million. Both clubs view the tie as a chance to secure valuable European exposure and financial rewards.