Ararat-Armenia secured a comeback victory over Slovenian champions Celje in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.
The match in Yerevan ended 2-1 in favor of the Armenian champions.
Svit Sešlar opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 21st minute, but Artur Serobyan equalized in the 38th minute with a superb free kick. Substitute Carlos França then completed the comeback, scoring the winning goal from Edgar Grigoryan’s assist.
The return leg will be played in Celje on August 11.
Before then, both teams will return to domestic action. Ararat-Armenia will face Urartu on August 7, while Celje will play Olimpija Ljubljana on August 8.
Potential play-off opponents Slovan Bratislava and Mjällby also played their first leg, with Slovan claiming a 2-1 away victory.
A BIG European ⚽️ week ahead! 🍿
2nd QR of UCL 🔵🟣
21/7 at 20:00 YVN
🇦🇲 Ararat-Armenia v Shamrock Rovers 🇮🇪
2nd QR of CL 🟢⚫️
🇦🇲 Alashkert v Cluj 🇷🇴
23/7 at 19:00 YVN
🇭🇺 Debrecen v Pyunik 🇦🇲
23/7 at 20:00 YVN
🇲🇩 Zimbru v Noah 🇦🇲
23/7 at 21:00 YVN
The Guardian has published a new image of the worlds tallest Jesus Christ statue currently being built in Armenia by Gagik Tsarukyan.
Theres reports that the top of the statue is completed but because its so big and heavy, they have been unable to transport it
Henrikh Mkhitaryan returned to the Pyunik Football Academy today, revisiting the club where his football journey began and inspiring a new generation of players following in his footsteps.
The Armenian football star met with academy students, coaches, and guests during a special event dedicated to his career and achievements. As part of the visit, Mkhitaryan took part in a commemorative handprint ceremony, leaving a permanent mark at the club that helped launch his path to the top of European football.
Attendees also watched a short film chronicling Mkhitaryan’s rise from Pyunik’s academy to some of Europe’s biggest stages with Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, Arsenal, Roma, and Inter Milan.
The event concluded with an open discussion, during which Mkhitaryan reflected on the challenges, sacrifices, and defining moments of his career. He also answered questions from young players, sharing advice and lessons learned throughout his journey in professional football.
For the academy’s aspiring footballers, the visit provided a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from one of Armenia’s greatest athletes and a player whose success continues to inspire generations both on and off the pitch.