Shkendija vs Vardar Skopje Match Recap - Oct 27, 2025

In a tense showdown that delivered on its promise of high stakes, Vardar Skopje edged out Shkendija 1-0 at the Ecolog Arena on Saturday, solidifying their claim to the title race while leaving the home side with a bitter aftertaste of missed opportunities. David Babunski's penalty in the 49th minute proved the difference in a match that was fraught with intensity and urgency.

The goal came shortly after the halftime break, transforming the dynamics of the contest. Following a foul in the box, Babunski stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, sending a clear message that Vardar Skopje was not here merely to participate but to assert their dominance. With this victory, Vardar jumped to second place in the First League standings, matching Shkendija on points-both teams now sit at 21-but with Vardar taking a psychological advantage in the race for the title, thanks to their head-to-head victory.

Despite this setback, Shkendija has enjoyed a strong season so far, entering the match unbeaten in the league with six wins and three draws. However, their recent form had shown signs of inconsistency, highlighted by a frustrating goalless draw against Pelister earlier this month. The team has struggled to convert possession into goals, with reliance on key players like Besart Ibraimi and Endrit Krasniqi not yielding as many returns as hoped in this pivotal encounter.

In the buildup to the match, I predicted a high-scoring thriller, envisioning Shkendija's Ibraimi as the hero of the day. Clearly, my vision fell flat as I watched instead a disciplined defensive display from both teams, which turned the match into a tactical battle rather than a goal-fest. The psychological weight of the game lingered in the air, eclipsing the more free-flowing football that had been expected.

Vardar Skopje displayed the composure necessary to snatch victory and enforce their will, while Shkendija, despite creating several chances, could not find the final touch needed to equalize. The match ended with palpable disappointment for the home crowd, who had come expecting a different outcome. As the final whistle blew, players and fans alike reflected on what might have been had they capitalized on their chances.

Moving forward, both teams find themselves in a pivotal moment as the season approaches its halfway point. With Shkendija's unbeaten run under threat, they must regroup quickly to fend off the challenges that lie ahead. Meanwhile, Vardar Skopje will look to build on this momentum, hoping this victory can serve as a springboard for a sustained title push. As the race intensifies, every match will count, and today's outcome may well be remembered as a defining moment in this season's narrative.