Another great game by the Macedonian Cup winner who is now halfway through to the Europa League play-off round.

Shkendija, the only remained Macedonian club in a European competition, faced a rival from the Czech Republic after eliminating Cracovia from Poland and Neftçi from Azerbaijan. For the first time in the club’s history, the Tetovo based team reached the 3rd qualifying round of the Europa League and hopes for another miracle.

The red&black side started the game normally as the hosts do, attacking. After couple of minutes, the visitors balanced the possession. Shkendija had a chance to score, but Todorovski didn’t control the ball well and just before making an effort the visiting keeper was quicker (photo). Later Mladá Boleslav missed several chances with the team coming from Golgol Mebrahtu who’s shot was well saved by Zahov. Vujčić and Hasani also tried to score, but the score on half-time remained goalless.

After the break the things turned around. It was a nightmare start for the Czech team as central defender Lukáš Hůlka fouled Ferhan Hasani who was about to get one on one with the visiting keeper. The Kazakh referee awarded a free kick and showed a direct red card to the Czech player.

With a man down, Mladá Boleslav was a totally different team. In the 69th minute Shkendija eventually broke the dead lock after substitute Juffo unselfishly assisted for Stênio Júnior. The reply shows that Juffo most probably was in offside, but the assistant referee remained quiet.

Only six minutes later Shkendija doubled the lead. This time it was Stênio Júnior who assisted as he perfectly found his captain in the box.

Great result for Shkendija before the return leg and a wonderful opportunity to repeat Rabotnichki’s success last summer by reaching the Europa League play-off round, the last before the group stage. The game will be played on 4th of August at the Městský stadium in Mladá Boleslav with a kick-off scheduled for 19.00 CET.

National Arena Philip II of Macedon in Skopje
Shkendija – Mladá Boleslav 2:0 (0:0)
Scorers: 69′ Stênio Júnior, 75′ Ferhan Hasani
Shkendija: Zahov; Demiri, Cuculi, Bejtulai, Todorovski; Vujčić, Alimi (66′ Juffo), Hasani (c); Stênio Júnior, Ibraimi (81′ Imeri), Radeski (46′ Taipi).
Mladá Boleslav: Diviš; Fleišman, Hůlka, Kúdela, Pauschek; Kalabiška, Jánoš, Rada, Vukadinović; Magera (c) (82′ Takács), Mebrahtu (46′ Chramosta, 59′ Keresteš).
Yellow cards: Todorovski (SH)
Red cards: 52′ Hůlka (MD)
Referee: Artyom Kuchin
Assistants: Evgeni Belski & Anatoli Hodin
Fourth official: Aleksandr Gauzer