Macedonian champion Shkendija took an important step towards the group stage of the UEFA Europa League with a triumph over Bulgarian champion Ludogorets.
At the National Arena "Todor Proeski" in Skopje, Shkendija celebrated 2:1 against Ludogorets from Razgrad.
The Tetov team started offensively, Latifi had the first serious chance in the early stages after an action with Tamba, and a little later, Cake shot near the post.
However, the guests took the lead first through Duarte in the 18th minute.
Ludogorets' joy lasted until the 35th minute, when Latifi tied the score at 1:1 with a beautiful free kick from 25 meters.
In the second half, after a quiet opening minutes, top scorer Besart Ibraimi scored in the 60th minute for 2:1 and brought great joy. Ludogorets threatened through Tekepej, but goalkeeper Gaye was sure, while Tamba and Alhassan missed good chances for Shkendija's third goal.
The return match in Razgrad is scheduled for next Thursday, and Shkendija will try to repeat Vardar's success from 2017 and secure a place in the Europa League group stage.
Europa League – play-offs (first leg)
SHKENDIJA – LUDOGORETS 2:1 (1:1)
SHKENDIJA: Gaye, Trumchi, Fetai, Cake, Webster, Alhasan (90' Meliki), R. Ramadani, Tamba (90' Murati), Zejnulai (72' Krasniqi), Latifi (72' Krstevski), Ibraimi (85' F. Ramadani).
LUDOGOREC: Padt, Son, Nahimias, Almeida, Nedjalkov, Pedro Naresi, Duarte (66' Chochev), Stanic (66' Kaloc), Erik Marcus (81' Ivanov), Bile (72' Machado), Kouiar (66' Tekpetei).
