The Kosovo football champion scored a historic victory on Thursday night.
After two draws in the league stage of the Conference League against KuPS and Omonia, Drita scored a big victory against Shelbourne in Dublin, Ireland.
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Ajzeraj's shot ended up in the net with the help of a deflection by defender Lewis Temple.
Drita had several other scoring opportunities. In the 45th minute, captain Rron Broja hit the crossbar. He headed the ball over the crossbar and then out of the Shelbourne goal, which was one man short from the 17th minute after James Norris was sent off. The Irish player was sent off with a red card after a challenge on Almir Ajzeraj.
Three minutes before Norris was sent off, Shelbourne hit the post. Harrye Wood hit the post in an attempt to curl in a corner kick. In addition to the hit post, Shelbourne had their chances to score, but failed to convert them.
With the victory, Drita has risen to 13th place with five points.
Drita has also won financially after the victory over Shelbourne. In its account it will have 400 thousand euros, as much as the victory in the Conference League is valued. In total after two draws and the victory, Drita has won 666 thousand euros from UEFA.
By appearing in the Conference League, Drita was guaranteed 3 million and 170 thousand euros from UEFA.
Drita will play the fourth match in Pristina on November 27 against Shkëndija of Tetovo.
Ramadani: So far it is a victory of a higher rank
Drita coach Zekirija Ramadani described the victory over Shelbourne in the Conference League as important.
"I wish them a victory, it was a good match with a lot of running and commitment. I think that the numerical superiority on the field also made our job easier, but I am satisfied with the victory. We knew that the opponent has a fast attack, we defended well and when the moment came we punished them. I am happy with this victory and we must move forward," said Ramadani at the press conference after the match.
He emphasized that the victory over the Irish team has its own importance. But he added that Drita has scored victories of great importance in the past.
"So far, it is a victory of a higher rank, but I cannot say it is the most important because we have achieved a victory that has the value of the title. Each victory has its own value and I respect every victory or draw. Normally, we know how to manage and respect every loss," said the coach from Skopje.
For Drita it was the first victory in Europe, namely in the Conference League. There are also two draws this season in the league stage in the Conference League.
How much has Drita earned financially with its results in Europe so far?
The historic victory over Shelbourne in the Conference League on Thursday has enriched Drita with 400 thousand euros.
And in the three matches so far, with this victory and two draws against Omonia and KuPS, Drita has collected a total of 666 thousand euros. A draw is calculated at 133 thousand euros, and a win at 400 thousand.
By appearing in the league stage of the Conference League, Drita was already guaranteed 3 million and 170 thousand euros from UEFA. This brings the total profit at this stage for the "Intellectuals" to over 3.8 million euros.
Drita has at least three more matches planned for this stage. They will host Shkëndija and Alkmaar, while also visiting Rayo Vallecano.
From three matches, Drita has collected five points and is in 13th position, which currently leads to the playoff stage in this competition.
Light takes precedence
Drita has taken the lead over Shelbourne.
Almir Ajzeraj scored the opening goal in the 57th minute.
In fact, his shot was deflected by the defender who entered the second half, Lewis Temple.
The first half of the Shelbourne – Drita match ends goalless
Photo: Daniel McDonnell/X
No goals were scored in the first half of the match between Shelbourne and Drita, within the Conference League.
The Kosovo champions hit the crossbar in the 45th minute through captain Rron Broja. He headed the ball over the crossbar and out of bounds for Shelbourne, who were down one man from the 17th minute after James Norris was sent off. The Irishman was sent off for a foul on Almir Ajzeraj.
Three minutes before Norris was sent off, Shelbourne hit the post. Harrye Wood hit the post while attempting to curl in a corner kick.
Wood had another chance to score in the 36th minute. But his free kick went over the Drita goal. Ademipo Odubeko's shot also went wide of Drita goalkeeper Faton Maloku's goal in the 34th minute.
Light Saves
The Irish team, Shelbourne, created a good scoring opportunity in the 34th minute.
But Ademipo Odubeko's shot was deflected past Drita's goalkeeper, Faton Maloku.
Shelbourne are left with one less player on the field
Photo: Daniel McDonnell/X
The Irish team, Shelbourne, is left with one less player on the field.
In the 17th minute, James Norris was sent off after a challenge on Drita's Almir Ajzeraj.
Three minutes earlier, Shelbourne hit the post. Harrye Wood from the corner kick hit the post in an attempt to cross.
Drita's lineup against Shelbourne is published, there are surprises
Drita will play away to Shelbourne in the third round of the league stage, in the Conference League.
After two matches, Drita has two points, one more than the Irish team.
Due to many absences in the attacking phase, Albert Dabiqaj will lead the attack of the Gjilan team. He will be supported by Raddy Ovouka and Almir Ajzeraj.
Formation of Light:
Maloku, Sheji, Pëllumbi, Bejtullai, Krasniqi, Broja, Limaj, Zidane, Ovouka, Ajzeraj, Dabiqaj.
The match starts at 21:00.