NK Maribor and NK Celje draw 1-1 in Stajerski derby

On 1 August 2026, the first‑round Stajerski derby between NK Celje and NK Maribor was played at Stadion Z’ Dežele in Celje. The match ended in a 1‑1 draw. Žiga Repas gave Maribor an early lead in the third minute, and Darko Hrka equalised with a header in the 79th minute.

Police deployed additional units and technical equipment around the stadium and closed Jamova cesta to traffic to ensure public safety. Fans were reminded not to bring prohibited items such as fireworks or offensive banners.

After the game, Maribor coach Vitor Campelos said, “Tisti, ki so danes prišli na stadion, so imeli kaj videti,” praising the quality of the contest. Hrka reflected on his goal, stating, “Drugi polčas na ravni Evrope, pri golu pa sem imel srečo.” The derby was highlighted as a showcase of Slovenian football and a positive sign for the new season.