Vardar will travel to the return leg in Switzerland with a 2:1 lead over Lausanne after celebrating in tonight’s match in Skopje.
photo by FC Lausanne-Sport: a duel from the first half
Vardar hosted Swiss side Lausanne in the first match of the second qualifying round for the UEFA Conference League. Lausanne qualified as 5th-placed in the Swiss Super League last season and starts directly from this round, while Vardar eliminated La Fiorita from San Marino in the first round.
The opening half was quite even, with both sides lacking opportunities and battling at midfield. As the break was nearing, Vardar started creating chances. Azer Omeragikj had to opportunities in the 41st and 42nd minute, but twice reacted clumsy at finishing.
In the second minute of the injury time Dimitar Todorovski got the ball outside the box, nicely stepped in towards the center, fired a shot that was saved by keeper Karlo Letica, but Rogers Mato scored on the rebound bringing Vardar the lead.
The second half started with Lausanne pressing for an equalizer. The were constantly playing around Vardar’s box and eventually score in the 58th minute. Gaoussou Diakité collected the ball outside the box and with a perfect shot in the upper right angle beat home keeper Davor Taleski.
Three minutes later Kaly Sène escaped the home defense, but Taleski came out victorious in the one-on-one duel. In the 66th minute Mato penetrated from the left and instead of making an assist in the center he decided to force a shot, but Letica well saved.
The 77th minute was underway when Omeragikj launched a counter attack, served Mato who run on the left and again opted to shot instead of assisting and once again Letica denied him. a corner kick followed that resulted with Omeragikj scoring for a 2:1 lead.
Lausanne failed to make a serious threat despite the 8th minutes of additional time. Instead, Vardar had opportunities through Spahiu and Faustin, but the score did not change.
Highlights:
The return leg will be played next Thursday at 20.15 CET at the Stade de la Tuilière in Lausanne.