Tirana-Skënderbeu 2-1
Scorers: Prengaj 46’, 73’ / Rashica 38’ (penalty)
TIRANA: Selmani, Mici (Ndreca 46’), Dembele, Kola, Haxhiu (Gjumsi 46’), Soler (Meta 43’), Jonuzi, Ismajli, Abah (Isuf 85’), Jarmouni (Bajroviç 71’), Prengaj. Coach: Bledi Shkëmbi.
SKËNDERBEU: Alia, Vasquez (Randi 56’), Prençi, Vangjeli (Doka 78’), Gerco, Janaqi (Krasniqi 78’), Merlim (Pecani 46’), Rabiu, Nikaj, Bismark, Rashica (Çuçka 85’). Coach: Ivan Gvozdenoviç.
Referee: Enea Jorgji
Yellow Cards: Ismajli, Gjumsi, Jonuzi / Bismark, Krasniqi, Alia
The opening minutes start well for Tirana, who focus more on attack, looking to score early on. Skënderbeu’s defense has been put on alert several times, as there have been 2-3 dangerous attacks in the first 10 minutes, but the white-and-blues fail to find the target.
Ardit Nikaj has a good opportunity early on, providing a pass to Merlim, but he is pushed by a Tirana defender inside the box, and play continues.
In the 12th minute, Tirana has the first clear chance. Haxhiu takes a dangerous shot, but the ball goes over the crossbar. From the 15th to the 20th minute, chances are scarce, and the game slows down a bit, while Tirana seems to be trying harder to penetrate Skënderbeu’s defense.
In the 22nd minute, the red-and-whites see Ardit Nikaj attempt a long-range shot, but it goes over the crossbar. Bismark, in the 26th minute, fails to redirect the ball on target, sending it wide instead. The 30th minute brings not one, but two clear chances for Tirana. Abah and Prengaj come close to scoring, but Marko Alia saves the day on both occasions, keeping his goal intact.
In the 38th minute, Skënderbeu gets their moment when Rashica is fouled in the box. Referee Enea Jorgji consults VAR and points to the penalty spot. Rashica converts the penalty accurately, making it 0-1 for Skënderbeu at “Air Albania.
The second half kicks off with a quick goal for Tirana, leveling the score. Just minutes into the half, Prengaj capitalizes on a mistake by Skënderbeu in the box, takes a diagonal shot, and finds the target. The score is now 1-1.
After Tirana’s equalizer, Skënderbeu responds moment by moment, and in the 60th minute, they come close to regaining the lead. Rashica dazzles with the ball, drives into the box, and his shot is narrowly saved by goalkeeper Selmani. A golden opportunity for Skënderbeu.
In the 69th minute, a mistake from Tirana nearly costs them again as Selmani misplays a back pass from a teammate, but he recovers just in time to prevent Skënderbeu from scoring.
In the 73rd minute, Tirana finds the net again. Another defensive error from Skënderbeu allows Prengaj to shoot, making it 2-1 for Tirana. Skënderbeu tries to react after Tirana’s goal, but in the 84th minute, they miss a good chance as neither Rashica nor Bismark can redirect the corner kick on target.
In the final minute, Skënderbeu appeals for a penalty, but the referee remains unmoved, and play continues. Even with six minutes of added time, no further goals are scored, and Skënderbeu ultimately loses 2-1 in Tirana.
Minutes and Chances of the First Half
7’ – A good opportunity for Skënderbeu. Ardit Nikaj makes a nice run down the right and serves Juri Merlim in the box, but the Brazilian falls at the last moment and fails to get a shot on target.
12’ – Ismajli provides an assist to Haxhiu, who takes a shot with his left foot, but luckily the ball goes over the crossbar. Skënderbeu’s goal is spared. This is Tirana’s best chance so far.
22’ – Ardit Nikaj tries a long-range shot, but it sails over the Tirana goal.
26’ – A dangerous attack for Skënderbeu. Bismark finds himself in the box but fails to redirect the ball on target against goalkeeper Selmani.
30’ – Great scoring opportunities for Tirana, and Marko Alia is the savior. Prengaj shoots, but Alia deflects it, and the Skënderbeu goalkeeper also saves from Abah’s follow-up. Skënderbeu’s goal has a name: Marko Alia.
38’ – A controversial moment as Rashica is fouled in the Tirana box. Referee Enea Jorgji consults VAR and, after reviewing for 2 minutes, removes the yellow card he gave Rashica for simulation and points to the penalty spot. Rashica takes the penalty and scores, making it 1-0 for Skënderbeu.
Minutes and Chances of the Second Half
46’ – The second half starts with a quick goal for Tirana. Prengaj takes advantage at the edge of the box, shoots, and the ball finds the back of the net. The score is now 1-1.
60’ – A golden opportunity for Skënderbeu to score. Rashica makes a brilliant run down the left wing for 30 meters, dribbling past two Tirana players. He takes a shot with his right foot, but Selmani’s foot saves Tirana from conceding.
69’ – A mistake by Tirana’s goalkeeper Selmani. After receiving a back pass from a defender, he misplays it, but manages to recover just in time at the goal line, keeping Tirana’s net safe.
73’ – Tirana scores their second goal, turning the match around. Prengaj is again the hero, finding the net and leaving the Skënderbeu defense stunned during their best moment.
84’ – Skënderbeu nearly equalizes. After a corner kick, neither Bismark nor Rashica can convert the chance into a goal.
90’ – In the final minute, Skënderbeu appeals for a penalty after Krasniqi is fouled, but referee Enea Jorgji allows play to continue.
EDITED by:
“KORÇA BOOM”
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