In a thrilling encounter at the Stadiumi Redi Maloku, Kastrioti Krujë stunned the league leaders Skenderbeu Korce, securing a 3-2 victory that both energized their fanbase and injected life into their faltering season. The match, held on October 29, 2025, marked a significant upset in the 1st Division and highlighted the unpredictable nature of football.
The game had barely settled when Skenderbeu Korce, enjoying a commanding lead in the standings, struck first in the 25th minute, taking the initial advantage. However, Kastrioti Krujë, currently languishing in 12th place, responded with a fierce determination that had been absent in their recent outings. Just eight minutes after conceding, they equalized in the 33rd minute, sending ripples of hope through the home crowd. Moments later, with the momentum fully on their side, Kastrioti found the net again with another goal just three minutes later, taking a surprising 2-1 lead into halftime.
The second half began with Kastrioti Krujë striking early again, pushing their advantage to 3-1 in the 51st minute. What seemed a comfortable lead was anything but, as Skenderbeu Korce clawed back with their second goal in the 66th minute, narrowing the deficit and igniting hopes of a comeback. The response from the leaders came in the face of adversity, but their efforts were complicated by a dismissal for a reckless challenge in the 64th minute, which left them a man down.
As the match drew to a close, the tension in the air was palpable. Kastrioti Krujë were reduced to ten men themselves in the dying moments of the match, but they held firm, fending off the resilient efforts of Skenderbeu Korce to secure an essential three points. With this victory, Kastrioti not only snapped a disheartening streak of games without a win but also ignited aspirations of climbing up from their four-point total. Meanwhile, Skenderbeu Korce saw their perfect start to the season slightly tarnished but remained firm at the top of the league, a position they will be eager to reclaim in their upcoming matches.
Reflecting on the preview, I had suggested that Kastrioti Krujë would struggle to breach Skenderbeu Korce's formidable defense, but the home side proved me wrong in an impressive display of tenacity and technique. As they look toward their next games, Kastrioti Krujë will hope this victory can be a springboard to turn their season around. On the other hand, for Skenderbeu Korce, this defeat will serve as a wake-up call as they strive to maintain their dominance atop the 1st Division standings. The challenge ahead for both teams is clear: Kastrioti must build on this momentum, while Skenderbeu will seek to re-establish the confidence that has defined their campaign thus far.