FC Vardar Skopje 2–1 Sileks – North Macedonia First Football League

FC Vardar Skopje secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory against Sileks on 9 May 2026 at the Toše Proeski Arena, moving closer to the top of the North Macedonia First Football League table. The win extended Vardar's unbeaten run to five matches, while Sileks saw their own good form come to an end.

Match Overview

The home side started with purpose and took an early lead. In the 8th minute, Vardar's attacking midfielder collected a pass on the edge of the box, turned his marker, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner. Sileks responded well, equalising in the 32nd minute through a well-worked set piece. A free-kick from the left was flicked on at the near post and bundled home from close range.

The second half was a tense affair. Vardar regained the lead just before the hour mark when a cross from the right was headed back across goal and stabbed in by the striker. Sileks pushed for another equaliser but were denied by a combination of solid defending and good goalkeeping. Vardar had a goal disallowed for offside in the 78th minute, but that did not affect the final result.

Key Moments

• 8' – Vardar open the scoring: A neat turn and finish from just inside the box.
• 32' – Sileks equalise: A set-piece routine – the free-kick was flicked on and turned in at the back post.
• 57' – Vardar retake the lead: A header across goal was finished with a close-range tap-in.
• 78' – Vardar have a goal disallowed: Ruled out for a marginal offside call.
• 90+2' – Sileks miss a golden chance: A shot from six yards was blocked on the line by a defender.

Tactical Story

FC Vardar deployed their usual 4-3-3 formation, pressing high and looking to exploit the flanks. Sileks sat deeper in a 4-4-1-1, aiming to counter through their pacey forwards. Vardar's midfield dominance allowed them to control large spells, but Sileks' set-piece threat kept them in the game. Vardar's tactical patience in the second half, maintaining possession without over-committing, proved decisive.

Standout Players

Vardar's goalscoring midfielder was influential throughout, adding a goal and an assist. Their central defender made several crucial blocks, including the goal-line clearance in stoppage time. For Sileks, the centre-forward who scored was a constant menace, but lacked support from midfield.

Season Impact

With this win, FC Vardar Skopje climbed to second in the First Football League table, now just two points behind leaders Shkëndija with nine games remaining. Sileks dropped to fifth, four points adrift of the European qualification places. Vardar's title challenge is gathering momentum, and their next fixture against a mid-table side looks favourable.