After two years, Bregalnica returned to top-flight competition, but at the start of the new season, the Shtip side suffered a 2-0 defeat away to champions Vardar.
“We made many mistakes during the match, and Vardar, as a great team, knew how to take advantage of them. We are still not complete; we will try to work hard over the next two weeks, and I hope we will start achieving positive results from the next match,” said Bregalnica captain Stefan Kocev.
On the other side, the trophy holders, with a combined lineup, managed to secure the desired three points and make a winning start to their title defense.
“This is a very important triumph for us at the start of the new season, but also ahead of the return leg against Riga in the Conference League qualifiers. The coach made several changes, the team gained freshness, and I think that was evident as we managed to outplay Bregalnica. Now we are focusing on the European challenge; we will do everything to win that match as well,” said Vardar player Dimitar Todorovski.
