Slovan Bratislava secured at least a place in the UEFA Europa League league phase after defeating Swedish champions Mjällby AIF 4-1 on aggregate, leaving midfielder Alen Mustafič praising his team’s dynamic new additions—including forward Suleiman and winger Yirajang, whom Mustafič jokingly compared to Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior.
The Slovak club advanced past Mjällby following a 2-0 victory in the second leg, with Yirajang sealing the result in the 78th minute. Bursting down the left flank past a defender, the attacker drove into the penalty area and fired a precise shot toward the far post to extinguish any hopes of a Swedish comeback. Speaking to reporters after the match, Mustafič highlighted the electrifying impact of the club’s recent signings.
“Both goals were beautiful. Suleiman and Yirajang are excellent players, very fast,” Mustafič said, as reported by europesays.com. “Yirajang is Vinícius for me from now on, and I’m glad he’s playing brilliantly. Suleiman has only been with us for a week and he’s playing great.”
The Road Ahead: Play-Off Clash Against NK Celje
With a spot in the UEFA Europa League league phase safely locked down, Slovan Bratislava turns its full attention to the ultimate prize: the UEFA Champions League main stage. Standing between the Slovak side and the milionárska súťaž (millionaires’ competition) is Slovenian opponent NK Celje.
Mustafič emphasized that the squad remains hungry despite securing European football for the autumn. “Yes, we are satisfied, but we certainly want more,” Mustafič stated. “I think we have a chance. We will give everything to advance. In every match, we focus on ourselves. We already know Celje, we played against them. It’s also close, and I think it will be a good match.”
The first leg of the play-off tie approaches, with Slovan set to host Celje on Wednesday, August 19, at their home ground.
Barseghjan Returns from Injury to Boost Slovan’s Attack
Slovan’s prospects for the upcoming play-off received another major boost with the return of Tigran Barseghjan. The attacker stepped onto the pitch at the start of the second half against Mjällby, immediately revitalizing the team’s tempo in what marked his first competitive minutes of the season following an injury lay-off.
“We all know what Tigran is capable of doing,” Mustafič noted regarding his teammate’s comeback. “I’m glad he’s back and he will certainly be a big reinforcement for us for the play-off.”
Barseghjan’s return, combined with the blistering pace of Yirajang and Suleiman, give Slovan an array of dangerous attacking options as they attempt to navigate the final hurdle into Europe’s premier club competition.
Worth a look
