Vardar defeated Shkendija in their last mutual match this season and got back on 5 points advantage with three rounds to go.
Vardar and Shkendija met for the fourth time in the league this season, third in Skopje, and this was the most important game so far. Vardar entered the match with 2 points more than Shkendija and used the home pitch advantage to celebrate probably the most important win this season. The lone goal of the game was scored in the 8th minute by Jasir Asani. With this win, Vardar now is 5 points ahead of Shkendija and with three rounds to go, they are looking likely to defend the title.
Vardar: Pachovski; Hambardzumyan, Novak, Grncharov (c), Popov; Spirovski, Gligorov, Juan Felipe; Asani (56′ Grozdanoski), Stojkov (62′ Dashyan), Kojašević (85′ Ljamchevski).
Shkendija: Zahov; Demiri, Cuculi (c), Bejtulai, Todorovski; Alimi, Nedjipi (20′ Juffo), Vujčić (75′ Merajić); Stênio Júnior, Ibraimi, Radeski (79′ Asani).
In the other Championship Group games, Rabotnichki defeated Sileks 2:0 and Bregalnica downed Shkupi with two late goals. For Rabotnichki, Borche Manevski returned to the pitch after the injury and scored a goal.
Round 29, Championship Group
Vardar – Shkendija 1:0 (1:0)
8′ Jasir Asani
Rabotnichki – Sileks 2:0 (1:0)
10′ Borche Manevski, 49′ Miroslav Jovanoski
Bregalnica – Shkupi 2:0 (0:0)
90′ Gjorgji Tanushev, 90’+2 Stefan Ristovski
Standings play-off | Goalscorers | Club info
In the relegation group, Mladost Carev Dvor won over fellow strugglers Metalurg. Both teams are already relegated to the Second League and this match was a formality for them. In the other game, Horizont Turnovo and Renova shared the points in a goalless draw and the battle for 7th place continues.
Round 29, Relegation Group
Mladost Carev Dvor – Metalurg 2:0 (1:0)
37′ Aleksandar Celeski, 60′ Pajazit Saliu
Horizont Turnovo – Renova 0:0
Standings play-out | Goalscorers | Club info