Current champions Makedonija Gjorce Petrov will start their European campaign tomorrow with the first leg match from the second qualifying round from champions league, against BATE Borisov, the champions of Belarus.

Makedonija will have the debut in the most prestigious football club competition. After the preparations in Zlatibor, Serbia and the several friendly matches it seems like everything is ready for the match. Makedonija’s players are very optimistic about this match and although they know BATE are very strong squad which last season managed to play in the Champions League group phase with teams like Juventus, Real Madrid and Zenit, they are not afraid from the competition and will be chasing the victory. Comparing this squad to the one from the last season there are some visible changes like on the goalkeeping position for example, but nevertheless, the team is solid and surprise is not out of the reach.

BATE Borisov are the current champions of Belarus and since their championship has already started, they are once again on top of the table with huge lead comparing to the second-placed team. From 13 matches they have won 34 points, noting 11 victories and only 1 draw and 1 defeat. Their last game was on 10th of July and they won 0-3 against Gomel. 

Similar like in the match between Renova and Dinamo Minsk, the Belarussian team is favourite for the match, but Makedonija are far from being chanceless. A good result in the first match without a conceded goal might do the trick. Bookies have priced Makedonija at around 4.00, while BATE are priced at 1.85. BATE are huge favorites in the ‘who will advance’ bet with their odds set as low as 1.15.

The match is scheduled for tomorrow, 14th of July at 17.00 CET. Peter Rasmussen will be referee on the match and he will be helped by Martin Wulff and Lars Hummelgaard, all from Denmark. The match will have a live broadcast on national television channel A1.