Match Summary
Celje defeated Apoel Nicosia 2:0. The match was played in UEFA Europa Conference League 2024. Goals were scored by A. Kučys 45′, T. Svetlin 51′. 7 yellow cards were shown. Apoel Nicosia had 51% possession while Celje held 49%. Apoel Nicosia had 9 shots (4 on target) compared to 18 (8 on target) for Celje. Expected goals: Apoel Nicosia 0.25 — Celje 1.98. Apoel Nicosia made 3 substitutions, Celje made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Apoel Nicosia and Celje — 2 goals and 7 cards recorded during the match.
assist: S. Sešlar
assist: S. Sešlar
Match Statistics
Apoel Nicosia had 51% possession against Celje's 49%. Apoel Nicosia registered 9 shots (4 on target) while Celje managed 18 (8 on target). Corner kicks: 4–7. Fouls committed: 17–16.
Lineups
Apoel Nicosia lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under Manolo Jiménez, while Celje deployed a 4-1-4-1 under Albert Riera.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Apoel Nicosia is 6.89, compared to 7.21 for Celje. 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. Apoel Nicosia's highest-rated starter is S. Dražić (7.13), while Celje's best-rated player is M. Zabukovnik (7.70).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Apoel Nicosia have contributed 6 goals and 1 assists this season, led by S. Dražić (5G). Celje's starters account for 2 goals and 1 assists, spearheaded by Ž. Karničnik (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Apoel Nicosia deploy 4 defenders rated 7.03 on average, against Celje's 4-man backline averaging 7.05. 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
Apoel Nicosia field 4 midfielders averaging 6.62, versus Celje's 5 rated 7.70. 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
Apoel Nicosia start 2 forward(s) averaging 7.13, compared to 1 for Celje 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 43% for Apoel Nicosia and 90% for Celje. 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
Apoel Nicosia's starters have collected 6 yellow cards this season, compared to 5 for Celje. 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 Apoel Nicosia's starting XI is 30.0 (youngest: G. Satsias (23), oldest: V. Belec (35)), while Celje average 27.5 (youngest: Ł. Bejger (23), oldest: Juanjo Nieto (31)). 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
Apoel Nicosia's starters average 15 league appearances each, versus 8 for Celje. 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, Apoel Nicosia have recorded 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 defeats. Celje show 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Apoel Nicosia
Celje
API data: 15 Mar 2026