FC Ararat-Armenia vs NK Celje prediction 04.08.2026 | Champions League

FC Ararat-Armenia return to Champions League qualification action after a thrilling 4:3 win against Gandzasar in the Premier League last weekend. Alioune Ndour’s late goal proved decisive as the Armenian champions secured a fine road victory.

Manuel Jorge Da Silva Cruz’s men booked their place in Tuesday’s qualifier after surviving a tense Champions League second qualifying round tie against Shamrock Rovers.

The Armenian side claimed a 2:0 first-leg victory in Yerevan before losing 2:1 in Dublin, a result that was still enough to secure a 3:2 aggregate success.

Brazilian forward Sandro Lima scored in both legs against the Irish champions.

The Armenians boast a solid home record in European competition, losing only two of their last nine continental fixtures since 2022. Da Silva Cruz’s side claimed 2:0 victories in both home legs of this seasons’ UCL qualifiers against Riga and Shamrock Rovers.

BTTS backers will also note that five of Ararat-Armenia’s last seven European matches finished with both teams on the scoresheet.

Head coach Tulipa could keep faith with much of the side that started against Shamrock Rovers, with Sandro Lima again expected to lead the attack.

NK Celje make the trip to Armenia after being held to a draw against Maribor in the Slovenian PrvaLiga last weekend. Having trailed for much of the contest, Darko Hrka’s 80th minute goal rescued a point for Vítor Campelos’s side. 

The Slovenian champions secured their spot in Tuesday’s UCL third round tie after coming through an exhausting tie against Egnatia.

MKs played out a thrilling 3:3 draw in Albania before eventually progressing on penalties after a 2:2 draw in the second leg. 

Celje showed plenty of attacking quality in that first leg, but they also looked vulnerable defensively and were pushed all the way by the Albanian champions.

Vitor Campelos’ side have more European experience but their recent qualifying performances suggest they may give up chances in Armenia. NK failed to keep a clean sheet in nine of their last 11 matches.

BTTS has been frequent for the visitors, with that outcome landing in each of six games played since the start of July. Five of those games, including each of their last four fixtures finished level.