Vlazrimi Struga produced a disciplined and efficient cup performance to beat Belasica Strumica 2-0 in their North Macedonia Cup tie on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. Under the lights in Struga, the home side combined a solid defensive structure with two well-taken goals to secure a result that felt controlled rather than dramatic.

The win sends Vlazrimi Struga into the next stage of the competition and gives the squad a timely confidence boost, while Belasica Strumica are left to reflect on a night when they saw plenty of the ball but rarely found a way through. In a cup format where one moment can decide a season, the hosts managed the key moments far better.

Match overview

From the opening exchanges, Vlazrimi Struga looked content to let Belasica have possession in harmless areas. The home side kept their shape, defended the central corridor well and looked to spring forward through the wide areas. That approach paid off in the 23rd minute when Blerim Reçi cut in from the right and curled a composed finish beyond the reach of Belasica goalkeeper Stefan Trajkov.

Belasica responded with a spell of pressure before half-time. Their best moment came in the 38th minute when Filip Gjorgjiev worked space at the edge of the box, but his low effort was gathered comfortably by the Vlazrimi goalkeeper. The visitors moved the ball neatly at times, yet the final pass was repeatedly delayed or misplaced.

After the break, Vlazrimi Struga raised their intensity and began to press higher up the pitch. The second goal arrived in the 67th minute, effectively settling the tie. Davor Nikolovski arrived late in the penalty area to convert a low cross from Ilir Mustafa, finishing first time from close range. Belasica pushed bodies forward late on, but Vlazrimi’s back line held firm and limited the visitors to hopeful crosses and long-range attempts.

Key moments

• 23rd minute – Reçi opens the scoring: A patient build-up ended with Reçi drifting inside from the right. His curled left-footed strike gave Trajkov no chance and set the tone for the home side’s counter-attacking plan.
• 38th minute – Belasica’s best chance: Gjorgjiev found a pocket of space outside the box, but his low drive lacked the power and placement to trouble the Vlazrimi goalkeeper.
• 67th minute – Nikolovski doubles the lead: Mustafa’s direct run and low cross created the decisive moment. Nikolovski’s late arrival in the box was rewarded with a calm first-time finish.
• 84th minute – late resistance: Belasica forced a corner and sent Trajkov forward in the closing stages, but Vlazrimi cleared the danger and managed the remaining minutes professionally.

Tactical story

Vlazrimi Struga set up in a compact 4-2-3-1 shape and were happy to concede possession in midfield. Their two holding players screened the space in front of the back four, forcing Belasica to play sideways rather than through the middle. When the visitors lost the ball, Vlazrimi attacked quickly through the flanks, with Reçi and Mustafa providing the main outlets.

Belasica Strumica had more of the ball but struggled to turn possession into clear chances. Their midfield circulated well in the first half, yet the front line was often isolated against a well-organised defence. The introduction of fresh legs after the hour mark added energy, but by then Vlazrimi had already established a two-goal cushion and could defend with greater comfort.

Standout performers

Blerim Reçi was the game’s most influential attacking player. His opening goal was the kind of individual moment that cup ties often hinge on, and his willingness to run at defenders kept Belasica’s full-backs occupied throughout. Davor Nikolovski deserves credit for his midfield energy and the timing of his run for the second goal, while captain Arben Selmani led the back line with composure and won several important aerial duels.

For Belasica, goalkeeper Stefan Trajkov produced a respectable performance despite the defeat and could do little about either goal. Midfielder Filip Gjorgjiev was the visitors’ most creative presence, but he lacked the support needed to break down a stubborn Vlazrimi defence.

What the result means

For Vlazrimi Struga, the 2-0 win is more than just a place in the next round. It reinforces the team’s ability to manage a knockout match, protect a lead and punish opponents in transition. Cup runs can build momentum, and this performance will give the squad belief ahead of their next domestic fixture.

Belasica Strumica will return to league duties with lessons to take from the match. Their possession play was tidy in spells, but the lack of a cutting edge in the