Celje stuns AEK Athens with Kovačević treble in season opener

A hat-trick from Franko Kovačević propelled Celje, the last Slovenian football club still active in international competitions this season, to a stunning 3:1 comeback victory against AEK Athens in their opening match of the UEFA Conference League.

Playing in the league phase of Europe's third-tier club competition for the second consecutive season, Celje fell behind early in front of 7,000 home fans on 2 October. A 7th-minute shot from Dereck Kutesa took a deflection, leaving goalkeeper Žan-Luk Leban stranded, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

However, the club were undeterred, dominating possession and creating a string of chances before Kovačević secured a deserved equaliser in the 34th.

The Croatian striker put Celje ahead ten minutes into the second half, pouncing on a rebound to score his 19th goal of the season. Soon after, Danijel Šturm rattled the post as Celje pushed to extend their lead.

After surviving a scare when AEK had a goal ruled out for offside, Kovačević sealed the victory in the 80th minute, redirecting a teammate's shot into the net to complete his treble.

Goalkeeper Leban, who made several key saves, was pleased with the team's spirit.

"After conceding the goal, it was very important that we picked ourselves up," he said. "We played a solid match, but the most important thing is that we started with a win and have three points."

Coach Albert Riera also praised his players:

"Hats off, they gave their maximum. They were exceptional without the ball."

However, he admitted he wanted more composure.

"I missed a bit more ball control... It's fine to drive a Ferrari very fast sometimes, but with that kind of driving, an accident can happen," the former Spanish international said.