Match Summary
Celje defeated The New Saints 3:2. The match was played in UEFA Europa Conference League 2024. Goals were scored by D. Davies 19′, Edmilson 20′, R. Holden 42′, Edmilson 43′, D. Zec 79′. 4 yellow cards were shown. Celje had 67% possession while The New Saints held 33%. Celje had 24 shots (11 on target) compared to 7 (2 on target) for The New Saints. Expected goals: Celje 4.40 — The New Saints 0.51. Celje made 5 substitutions, The New Saints made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Celje and The New Saints — 5 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
assist: R. Brobbel
assist: R. Brobbel
assist: S. Sešlar
assist: S. Sešlar
Match Statistics
Celje had 67% possession against The New Saints's 33%. Celje registered 24 shots (11 on target) while The New Saints managed 7 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 8–5. Fouls committed: 10–10.
Lineups
Celje lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation under Albert Riera, while The New Saints deployed a 5-3-2 under C. Harrison.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Celje is 7.31, compared to — for The New Saints. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Celje's highest-rated starter is M. Zabukovnik (7.70), while The New Saints's best-rated player is —.
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Celje have contributed 2 goals and 1 assists this season, led by Ž. Karničnik (1G). The New Saints's starters account for 0 goals and 0 assists, spearheaded by —. Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Celje deploy 4 defenders rated 7.12 on average, against The New Saints's 5-man backline averaging —. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Celje field 5 midfielders averaging 7.70, versus The New Saints's 3 rated —. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Celje start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 for The New Saints averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 90% for Celje and —% for The New Saints. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Celje's starters have collected 4 yellow cards this season, compared to 0 for The New Saints. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Celje's starting XI is 29.0 (youngest: M. Zabukovnik (25), oldest: Juanjo Nieto (31)), while The New Saints average — (youngest: —, oldest: —). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Celje's starters average 7 league appearances each, versus 0 for The New Saints. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Celje have recorded 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 defeats. The New Saints show 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Celje
The New Saints
API data: 15 Mar 2026