Shkendija take on the visitors Qarabag in the first leg of UEFA Champions League Qualification round of semifinals. The match will be played on Tuesday, August 5th at National Arena Toshe Proeski (Skopje).
Shkëndija are currently showing a decent level of football. The Red and Blacks emerged as one of the top sides after North Macedonia gained independence. They’ve won the national cup a couple of times and have been crowned league champions on multiple occasions. Most recently, they secured their fifth First League title after a four-year wait, edging out ambitious Sileks by just three points. That triumph earned them a spot in the current European qualification cycle. Their campaign began in early July against The New Saints, and after two draws, an own goal by Bodenham in the 116th minute of extra time proved decisive. Surprisingly, the tie against FCSB was smoother — after a narrow home win in Bucharest, they came from behind to win 2-1 in the second leg. This run has boosted confidence, and the team looks disciplined and well-organised.
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Qarabağ have long resembled a Caspian version of PSG — or at least Celtic — dominating their domestic league year after year. Over the past decade, only Neftçi has briefly interrupted their reign, but they reclaimed the title again last season, their 12th overall. Their biggest frustration remains the inability to return to the Champions League group stage. Last year, they were thoroughly outplayed by Dinamo Zagreb in the playoff round, losing 0-5 on aggregate. Things didn’t go much better in the Europa League, where they beat Bodø/Glimt away but lost all other group stage games. Still, they’ve remained dominant in Azerbaijan and started this season confidently. They dismantled Shelbourne 3-0 away and followed it up with another win at home, with the only goal coming from a Martin own goal right before halftime. Their form suggests they are well-prepared and hungry for more.
This will be the first-ever meeting between the North Macedonian side and Azerbaijan’s top club. Qarabağ have the edge in both quality and European experience. Back the visitors to get the win here.
Prediction for the match: Qarabag to win.
