OLOMOUC, Czech Republic (Interstat) — Ghali Ahmad scored twice to lead Sigma Olomouc to a 2-1 comeback victory over Slovenian side Celje in the Europa League on Thursday, defying pregame projections that heavily favored the visitors.

Playing at a rain-swept Andrův stadion, the home side secured a crucial three points to open their group stage campaign, while Celje began their European journey with a defeat.

The match began against the run of pregame expectation, as statistical models from Interstat had given Celje a 53.70 percent probability of victory and projected a 1-1 draw. The visitors initially seemed poised to justify that confidence, seizing an early lead.

In the 8th minute, Celje’s Ivica Vidović found the breakthrough. The substitute, who had a significant impact after entering the match, finished a play assisted by teammate Darko Hrka to stun the home crowd and put the Slovenian club ahead.

Olomouc, however, responded with determination. The equalizer came just over 20 minutes later, again from a substitute’s contribution. In the 29th minute, Vital Lisakovič set up Ahmad for his first goal of the evening, leveling the match and shifting the momentum firmly in the Czech team’s favor.

Ahmad was not finished. Just before halftime, the forward struck again, this time capitalizing on a setup from midfielder Radim Breite. His 42nd-minute goal gave Sigma Olomouc a lead they would not relinquish, completing a first-half turnaround that saw them surge from a goal down to a commanding position.

The second half evolved into a tense, physical battle as Celje pushed for an equalizer and Olomouc worked to protect their narrow advantage. The physical nature of the contest was reflected in the officiating, with four yellow cards issued throughout the match.

Celje’s Vital Lisakovič was the first player booked in the 13th minute. He was followed by teammate Darko Hrka, who received a caution in the 18th minute. As the game entered its final stages, Olomouc’s midfielders Michal Beran and Radim Breite were also shown yellow cards in the 79th and 84th minutes, respectively.

Despite sustained pressure from the visiting side in the closing moments, the Sigma Olomouc defense held firm, preserving the 2-1 scoreline until the final whistle. The victory gives Sigma Olomouc a perfect start to their Europa League season, while Celje is left to regroup after a loss in their opening fixture.

The result establishes an early dynamic in the group for both clubs, with Sigma Olomouc securing a valuable home win and Celje facing an immediate challenge to keep pace in the competition.