Renova, as expected, won convincingly against San Marino side Libertas in the first qualification round of the UEFA Europa League.
With a hat-trick by Muharem Bajrami and another goal by Lavdrim Skenderi, Renova deservedly won against Libertas in the first qualification round of UEFA the Europa League and can already sense the next round.
Renova’s manager Vlatko Kostov opted for an offensive minded formation which brought the desired results. Renova had a commanding 2:0 lead after just 15 minutes. Rocchi fouled Sashko Pandev inside the area in the 9th minute with Bajrami successfully converting the penalty. Five minutes later, in a similar situation. Mastronicola committed a foul in the box and Bajrami once again scored from the spot to give Renova a 2:0 lead.
In the second half, Renova stepped up looking for a more convincing win. First, Pandev had a great opportunity in the 53rd minute, but his shot from a good position was blocked. Then, seven minutes later, Lavdrim Skenderi managed to score Renova’s third goal. Skenderi’s goal cam five minutes after he entered the game with the assist being provided by Dushan Simovski. Skenderi could have scored another goal in the 78th minute, but he squandered a good opportunity. In the 83rd minute, the final score was set when Bajrami completed his hat-trick with a goal coming directly from a free-kick.
The return leg takes place in 7 days. If Renova advances, as expected, they will likely face Gomel from Belarus who won their first leg against Vikingur 0:6 on the road.
Video of the goals:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ovox3oClFy4
Milano Arena, Kumanovo
Renova – Libertas 4:0
Referee: Danilo Grujić (SRB)
Renova: Zendeli, Siljanovski, Simovski,Stepanovski, Ristov, Nuhi, Gafuri, Bajrami, Emini (55′ Skenderi), Pandev (85′ Fetai), Andonov (51′ Ismaili).
Libertas: Ceccoli, Antonelli, Rocchi, Fantini (72′ Zennaro), Benvenuti, Simoncini, Mastronicola, Molinari (67′ Vagnetti) Torelli, Farondini, De Luigi (61′ Morelli)
Goalscorers: Bajrami 10′ (p), 15′ (p), 83′, Skenderi 60′
Yellow cards: Gafuri (R) – Benvenut, Simoncini, Torelli (L)