Pelister vs Vardar Skopje Match Recap - Nov 5, 2025

Vardar Skopje Continues Their Title Charge with a Hard-Fought Win Over Pelister

Vardar Skopje solidified their position at the top of the table with a 2-1 victory over Pelister at the Toše Proeski Arena, showcasing their resilience and tactical prowess. The match unfolded as a tale of contrasting fortunes, with Vardar extending their unbeaten streak to twelve games while Pelister remained mired in the relegation zone, struggling to find their footing.

Rogers Mato opened the scoring for Vardar in the 54th minute, continuing his impressive form after netting a late winner just days prior against Sileks. His ability to find space and capitalize on defensive lapses has been pivotal for Vardar, who have now scored in every match this season. Mato's goal was a testament to Vardar's attacking fluidity, as they maintained pressure on Pelister's backline throughout the match.

Pelister responded quickly, leveling the score just six minutes later through Petar Petkovski. The home crowd erupted as Petkovski found the net, momentarily igniting hopes of a comeback. However, Pelister's joy was short-lived. Despite the equalizer, they struggled to maintain momentum and control of the game, reflecting their recent form that has seen them win only twice in twelve matches.

The turning point came in the 83rd minute when Goran Zakaric converted a penalty for Vardar after a foul in the box. This decisive moment not only secured the three points for Vardar but also highlighted Pelister's defensive frailties that have plagued them all season. With this win, Vardar remains firmly in second place with 28 points, while Pelister languishes in tenth with just nine points.

Recent performances paint a stark picture for both teams. Vardar has been on a roll, winning eight of their last twelve matches and demonstrating an impressive ability to grind out results even when not at their best. Their last five outings included victories over Sileks and Shkendija, showcasing their depth and tactical discipline under manager Blagoja Milevski. Players like David Babunski have been instrumental, contributing not just goals but also leadership on the pitch.

In contrast, Pelister's recent form has been disheartening. With only two wins in their last twelve matches, they have struggled to find consistency. Their last five games included three losses and two draws, with a particularly disappointing exit from the cup against Shkëndija Haraçinë. The lack of offensive firepower has been glaring; they have scored just once in their last four league matches. The pressure is mounting on coach Igor Angelovski to find solutions as they prepare for their next fixture against Akademija Pandev.

Reflecting on my pre-match prediction, I anticipated a closer contest given Pelister's need for points and Vardar's pressure to maintain their lead. However, it became clear that Vardar's experience and tactical execution were too much for a struggling Pelister side. The disparity in confidence and form was evident as Vardar controlled large portions of the match.

As the season progresses, Vardar looks poised to challenge for the title, while Pelister must regroup quickly to avoid slipping further into relegation trouble. The stakes are high for both teams; for Vardar, it is about glory and maintaining momentum, while for Pelister, it is about survival and reclaiming respectability in front of their passionate supporters.

With this victory, Vardar Skopje continues to assert their dominance in Macedonian football, while Pelister faces an uphill battle to turn their season around. The narrative of this match serves as a reminder of the fine margins that define success and failure in football - a lesson both teams will carry forward into their upcoming fixtures.