Vardar is heading back for the rematch in Istanbul having won the first match 2-0 in Skopje, courtesy of Barsegyan and an own goal in the dying moments of the match by Topal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkvNfNn-Rjw
One must admit it was quite nice to see Vardar’s legends Darko Pancev (Vardar’s Sport Director), Ilija Najdovski (former Vardar standout) and Cedomir Janevski (Vardar’s coach) meet before the match and walk around the pitch together, hashing out the tactic against Fenerbahce.
Whatever they discussed, it worked very well. Fenerbahce did have numerous opportunities to score, but in the end the day, only the goals count. It will certainly not be a walkover for Vardar when they head back to Istanbul.
Barsegyan scored the first goal for Vardar after freeing himself beautifully from Slovak international Martin Skrtel to pounce home.
In the 91’st minute, the home side was gifted a goal after miscommunication between defender Topal and Fenerbahce’s goalie which resulted in Topal heading the ball over the goalie and into the net.
Vardar’s own legend, Andon Doncevski who currently resides in Australia, was on hand to witness his old club take on the Turkish giant. Uncle ‘Doncho’ approves what he saw: “We were better, we took advantage of their mistakes, and that’s what you need to do to win. Janevski was excellent as a coach even though he was appointed at the job last night”
Doncevski is the leading all time goal scorer for FC Vardar, having scored 217 goals.
Lastly, not a single member of Jess Baily’s Government attended the match, but the Russian Ambassador did…
Zaeviqi and UCK’s Ahmeti showed their support for Shkendija, who were torpedoed by AC Milan 6-0. It was their goalie Zahov who saved them from 10ka so kromit.
