FC Vardar Skopje U19 delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, 19 September 2026, defeating Shkendija U19 3-0 in the NM U19 league. A dominant first-half display set the tone, and the young Reds never allowed their visitors back into the contest at their home training complex in Skopje.

It was a statement result in one of the fiercest youth rivalries in North Macedonian football, a fixture that always carries extra weight given the long-standing rivalry between the two senior clubs. Vardar's academy side controlled the game from the opening whistle and were full value for a three-goal margin that could easily have been wider.

Match overview

Vardar started aggressively, pressing Shkendija's defenders high and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. The early pressure produced chances almost immediately, and it quickly became clear that the visitors' back line would struggle with the movement of Vardar's front three.

Shkendija tried to settle into the game by keeping possession in midfield, but they were repeatedly hurried into rushed passes. When they did manage to break forward, Vardar's centre-backs dealt with the threat efficiently, and the hosts went into the interval with a comfortable cushion.

Key moments

• 14th minute — Opening goal: Vardar's winger cut inside from the left and curled a shot into the far corner after a patient passing sequence.
• 31st minute — Second goal: A well-worked set piece was flicked on at the near post and finished from close range.
• Half-time — 2-0 to Vardar Skopje U19.
• 52nd minute — Shkendija's best moment: A quick counter ended with a shot deflected just past the post.
• 70th minute — Third goal: A driving run through midfield opened space, and the finish was ruthless from the edge of the box.
• Full-time — FC Vardar Skopje U19 3-0 Shkendija U19.

Tactical story

Vardar's success was built on intensity. Their midfield trio pressed in unison, cutting off the passing lanes into Shkendija's strikers and forcing the visitors to go long. With possession regularly regained high up the pitch, Vardar created a steady stream of chances without ever abandoning their defensive shape.

The hosts also looked dangerous from set pieces, an area that has clearly been a focus on the training ground. Two of their three goals came from moves that started with wide overloads, and the third arrived after a driving run that Shkendija simply could not track.

Shkendija's coaching staff will point to a handful of positive moments in the second half, when their substitutes added energy and their wide players found space in behind. But the game was effectively decided inside the opening 35 minutes, and chasing a two-goal deficit against such a well-organised opposition proved too steep a task.

Standout performers

Vardar's left winger was the outstanding player on the pitch, scoring the opener and creating problems throughout with his direct running. The central midfielder who dictated the tempo deserved just as much credit, repeatedly winning the ball back and turning defence into attack in a single movement.

For Shkendija, the goalkeeper prevented a heavier defeat with several saves in the second half, while one of the second-half substitutes brought a spark that had been missing earlier.

What the result means

Three points and a clean sheet keep Vardar Skopje U19 firmly in the upper part of the NM U19 standings and reinforce their reputation as one of the strongest youth setups in the country. For a club with such a proud tradition of developing players for the senior team, dominant displays like this are exactly what the academy staff want to see.

Shkendija U19, by contrast, will need to regroup quickly. The head-to-head record in this rivalry now leans further towards the Skopje side, and the coming fixtures will test the Tetovo club's character as they look to climb back up the table and stay in touch with the leading group.

The two academies will meet again later in the campaign, and on this evidence, Vardar will travel with plenty of confidence.