Update, 22:00 - Shkëndija is only 90 minutes away from qualifying for the big stage of the Europa League.
Shkëndija won 2:1 on Thursday night in Skopje against Ludogorets in the first leg of the Europa League playoff.
Liridon Latifi (30') and Besart Ibrahimi (60') scored for Shkëndija, while Deroy Duarte (17') scored for Ludogorets.
The return match is played in Bulgaria next week.
Sparks lead over Ludogorets
Shkëndija is leading 2:1 against Ludogorets in the first leg of the Europa League playoff round.
Deroy Duarte (17') scored for Ludugorets' initial lead, while Liridon Latifi (35') equalized the score with a superb free kick. Besart Ibrahimi (60') scored for Shkëndija's lead.
The match is being played in Skopje.
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Shkëndija coach: Ludogorets is still the favorite, but we aim for qualification
The coach of Shkëndija Tetovo, Jeton Beqiri, expressed his satisfaction with the victory achieved against the great Bulgarian team, Ludogorets. He emphasized that the Bulgarian team is the favorite, but added that Shkëndija's goal is to qualify for the Europa League.
"It was a beautiful match and a beautiful victory for Shkëndija. It was achieved with a positive game. Mistakes exist in football, we made some defensive mistakes, but considering who we played against, mistakes and carelessness are punished. The Ludogorets team is still the favorite, but we will try to give our maximum in the return match to fulfill our duties, respect the jersey, show a beautiful game and why not qualify," said Beqiri at the press conference after the first match of the Europa League playoff.
The first match took place in Skopje, and Shkëndija won 2:1.