Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
NK Celje beat MTK Budapest 4-3 in a seven-goal pre-season friendly in Kranjska Gora, recovering from 1-0 down with Šešlar's penalty sparking the fightback.
Match Videos
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow It Unfolded
MTK struck first in the 26th minute through Ádám Zalán, who finished a move to put the Hungarian side ahead after a patient build-up. The score stayed 1-0 to MTK through the end of the first quarter.
Celje levelled early in the second quarter. Captain Svit Šešlar converted a penalty in the 61st minute (60+1) after a handball in the MTK box, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. The sides went in 1-1 at the quarter break.
The drama escalated immediately after the restart. MTK's Kornél Hinora restored the visitors' lead in the 62nd minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse just 90 seconds into the third quarter. But Celje responded emphatically. Armands Kucys equalised in the 79th minute, and Aljaž Kotnik put the Slovenians ahead for the first time in the 85th — a 2-1 quarter to Celje that flipped the match on its head.
Celje extended their lead in the fourth quarter. Jure Pranjić made it 4-2 in the 103rd minute with a composed finish. MTK substitute Bence Varju pulled one back in the 109th minute, but the hosts held on for the win.
The Turning Point
Šešlar's penalty in the 61st minute changed the game's trajectory. MTK had looked comfortable after Zalán's opener, but the equaliser forced them to push forward, opening spaces Celje exploited ruthlessly. From that moment, the Slovenians won the third quarter 2-1 and never trailed again.
Key Performers
- Svit Šešlar (Celje) — The captain led by example, converting the penalty that sparked the comeback and orchestrating Celje's midfield in the second half.
- Aljaž Kotnik (Celje) — Scored the crucial 85th-minute goal that put Celje ahead for the first time, capping a strong individual display.
- Armands Kucys (Celje) — The Lithuanian midfielder found the equaliser in the 79th minute, dragging Celje level at 2-2 when MTK had momentum.
- Ádám Zalán (MTK Budapest) — Opened the scoring with a well-taken finish and was a threat throughout the first half.
Player of the Match: Svit Šešlar
By the Numbers — Interpreted
The 4-3 scoreline points to an open, transitional game typical of pre-season. MTK's early lead and quick response at 1-2 showed sharpness in the final third, but Celje's sustained pressure across the third and fourth quarters — scoring three unanswered goals between the 79th and 103rd minutes — exposed defensive gaps in the MTK backline as the match wore on and both sides made heavy substitutions. The match was played in four quarters rather than two halves, a format common in pre-season to maximise minutes for the full squad.
What It Means
Both sides are in the early stages of pre-season preparation. This was Celje's fourth friendly (Test no.4, per their official site), following a 1-1 draw with Čukarički. MTK used the fixture as part of their Kranjska Gora training camp; they face LNZ Cherkasy and FC Koper on 11 July before opening their OTP Bank Liga campaign at home to ZTE FC on 25 July 2026. Celje continue their pre-season schedule ahead of the new Slovenian PrvaLiga season.
Verdict
A chaotic, entertaining friendly that served its purpose for both managers. Celje showed resilience and depth after falling behind twice, while MTK will want to tighten up defensively before the competitive season starts. The seven-goal total suggests neither side was holding back.
Match Events
Key match events between Celje and MTK Budapest — 7 goals and 0 cards recorded during the match.
Rivalry since 2023
Celje vs MTK Budapest Head to Head Results· 1
Celje and MTK Budapest have met 1 times — Celje won 0, MTK Budapest won 0, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2023. A combined 4 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 4.00 per match (2 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 match (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 game (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–2 in 2023.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 9 Jul 2026