Metalurg managed to barely hold off Birkirkara to sneak into the second qualifying round, while Renova rolled past Libertas with the exact 4:0 scoreline in both games.
Birkirkara proved to be a tough challenge for Metalurg who held the club from Malta to a goalless draw in the return leg to barely advance to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. The two away goals that Metalurg scored in the first leg proved to be pivotal in leading the Macedonian side to the next round. It was 2:2 on aggregate after the two games but the away goals proved to be the difference. The match was not televised but according to UEFA statistics, each club hit the post once in the 1st half with Birkirkara attempting more shots on goal during the game. In the second qualifying round of the Europa League, Metalurg will face Ruch Chorzów, the second placed team from the Polish top division last season.
Milano Arena, Kumanovo
Metalurg – Birkirkara 0:0
Referee: Alexander Harkam (AUT)
Metalurg: Pavlović, Petkovski, Kralevski, Dragović, Ljamchevski, Alomerovikj (80′ Memedi), Krstev, Dimoski (86′ Dodevski), Stevanović, Nestorovski (59′ Naumovski), Churlinov.
Birkirkara: Gauci, Pereira, Vukanac (77′ Triganza), Fenech, Camenzulli (56′ Sciberras), Zerafa, Muscat, Scicluna (87′ Camilleri), Shodiya, Jorge Santos, Dos Reis.
Goalscorers: None
Yellow cards: Kralevski, Churlinov, Alomerovikj, Dragović, Krstev (M) – Gauci, Fenech (B)
As for the other Macedonian team in action today, Renova rolled past Libertas 4:0, matching the score from the first leg. The goalscorers for Renova were Fisnik Nuhiu in the 16th minute, a brace from Boban Janchevski in the 61st and 64th minute, the second coming from a converted penalty kick, and Ismail Ismaili in the 87th minute. Renova progressed to the next round of the competition where they will face Gomel from Belarus. Gomel was also convincing in the first qualifying round with a 10:0 aggregate victory over Vikingur from the Faroe Islands. Renova vs. Gomel will be the second matchup featuring Macedonian and Belarusian teams going head to head as Vardar will meet BATE Borisov in the Champions League qualifications.
Stadio Olimpico, Serravalle
Libertas – Renova 0:4
Referee: Robert Rogers (IRL)
Libertas: A. Simoncini, Torelli, Morelli, D. Simoncini, Facondini (78′ Santarini), Antonelli, Zennaro (65′ Fantini), Polidori (85′ Angeli), Molinari, Mastronicola, Rocchi.
Renova: Zendeli, Siljanovski, Ristov (67′ Asani), Stepanovski, Simovski, Velija, Bajrami, Gafuri (65′ Skenderi), Pandev (59′ Ismaili), Nuhiu, Janchevski.
Goalscorers: Nuhiu 16′, Janchevski 61′ and 64′ (pen), Ismaili 87′ (R)
Yellow cards: Facondini, Rocchi, Mastronicola, Antonelli (L) – Siljanovski (R)
Highlights of the game Libertas vs. Renova: