Wimmer and Slovan qualify for the Champions League!

Slovan Bratislava will play in the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase!

Yaya Touré's team emerged victorious in their final playoff clash against NK Celje, winning 2-1 after extra time. Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Cristian Martinez decided the match in the 100th minute in favour of the Slovakian champions.

However, Austrian international Kevin Wimmer watched almost the entire match from the bench as his club secured victory. The centre-back was substituted on in the 120th minute.

Celje clearly better to start

Celje got off to the better start and dominated the early stages of the game. Nevertheless, it was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play.

Andraz Sporar beautifully chipped the ball over Celje goalkeeper Zan-Luk Leban in the 18th minute, making it 1-0.

The Slovenians were not deterred and pushed for an equaliser. However, they repeatedly failed to beat the in-form Slovan goalkeeper Dominik Takac. In the 34th minute, the keeper was finally helpless as Svit Seslar converted a penalty to make it 1-1.

Wild closing stages

After the break, Bratislava presented a stronger display and increasingly took control. However, Celje remained dangerous with occasional counter-attacks.

Yaya Dukuly hit only the post in the 67th minute, missing the chance to give the hosts the lead.

Events unfolded rapidly in the closing stages. In the 89th minute, Slovan seemed on the verge of a late winner. Roman Cerepkai headed the ball towards the top corner, but Celje keeper Leban pulled off a superb save to claw the ball out of the angle.

Almost immediately at the other end, Celje had a massive chance to seal the win. However, Armandas Kucys failed to capitalise on his own opportunity in the 90th minute.

Martinez becomes the match-winner

Thus, after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes, the match went into extra time.

There, Slovan ultimately showed more stamina. In the 100th minute, Cristian Martinez scored the decisive goal.

Following a counter-attack, the Panamanian appeared in front of Leban and once again chipped the keeper with a delicate finish. Bratislava then held onto their lead for the remainder of extra time.

With this, Slovan Bratislava qualifies for the Champions League league phase for the second time, after 2024/25.

For Celje, however, the dream of a first-ever appearance in Europe's premier club competition was shattered. The Slovenian champions will have to settle for the Europa League league phase.