After an under average performance, Macedonian champions Makedonija GjP started the UEFA Champions League qualifications with a 0:2 defeat by Belarus champions BATE Borisov.

Besides the statements and the spirit by Makedonija’s players before the match when they claimed that they are no underdogs in this duel, BATE showed on the pitch that they are far better opponent and proved their status as big favorites. Makedonija GjP held BATE and were equal opponents only in the first 20 minutes and they even had a big scoring chance in the 9th minute when defender Mojsov headed the ball next to the goal.
But the guests went more forward and started attacking in the second part of the first half, when Skavysh missed two good opportunities and took the lead in the 40th minute when Siarhei Kryvets entered the box from the left side and scored for 0:1.

Couple of minutes after the second half started, Maksim Skavysh used one mistake by Makedonija’s defense and converted it into a goal for 0:2. With a slower play, BATE managed to control the match and keep their lead. Makedonija had only one big scoring chance until the end of the match, but Kleckarovski’s header went next to the goal.

Makedonija GjP – BATE Borisov 0:2 (0:1) (photo gallery)
40′ Kryvets, 50′ Skavysh

Makedonija GjP: Pustinjaković, Ambourouet, Milevski, Mojsov, Ilievski, Lena, Brnjacevski, Ivanovski (46′ Felipe), Augusto (61′ Montanari), Gligorovski (52′ Kleckarovski), Mitrev.
BATE: Veremko, Likhtarovich (69′ Bordachov), Sosnovski, Shitov, Yurevich, Volodko, Kryvets, Nekhaichik (85′ Pavlov), Radkov, Skavysh (75′ Alumona), Stasevich.

Video highlights:

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