Macedonian champion Vardar scored a major win against Turkish Fenerbahce in their first Europa League qualifier at the Philip II of Macedon arena in Skopje. Meanwhile, the other Macedonian team in the qualifiers, Shkendija from Tetovo, was badly beaten by Milan.
Vardar beat Fenerbahce 2:0, owing to a first half goal from Tigran Barseghyan and a comical own goal by Mehmet Topal in the final minutes of the game. Vardar played well against the grand Turkish team and held its own even after captain Boban Grncarov was sent off for receiving a second yellow card. Later in the game, Fener's De Souza was also sent off. A large crowd of both Vardar and Fenerbahce supporters filled the stadium. Fenerbahce had far more possession and create many more chances, but Vardar was confident in the defense and dangerous in the counterattacks. The return game in Istanbul is scheduled in a week.
In Milan, the Italian team showed no mercy for Shkendija. Milan led by 3:0 half an hour into the game. Three more goals followed in the second half, with Silva and Montolivo scoring twice and Borini and Antonelli one goal each. The return game will be played in Skopje, next Thursday. Coach Qatip Osmani said that it is clear that his men were intimidated at the San Siro Stadium and that he will use this game to give a chance to younger players.
