Drita Gjilan have started the league phase of the Europa Conference League quite well with one win and two draws in their opening three matches. They most recently eased to a comfortable 2-0 win against Prishtina e Re domestically.
They now face a Shkendija side that performed well in competition qualifying to reach this stage. They are one of the weakest sides in the 36-team table but they have managed a win, with a draw and a defeat in their opening three matches.
Home advantage is crucial for Shkendija in the league phase of this competition and, without that, they have to be firm underdogs in pretty much every other game.
The two Albanian teams, Drita from Gjilan and Shkëndija from Tetovo, will face each other at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium as part of the Conference League and one day before Flag Day.
Tonight in Pristina there will be a big football celebration, writes Gazeta Express.
As stated by both clubs, this match will be a brotherly match.
Currently, Drita is in 13th place with five points in total, while Shkëndija is in 21st place with one point less.
Over 9 tickets have been sold for this match, while the number of fans is expected to exceed 10.
This derby, like never before, will take place in the Conference League, as part of the fourth round of the league stage.
The Light of Gjilan will host the Spark of Tetovo in the capital of Kosovo – Pristina.
The two Albanian teams will face off at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium.
This big match becomes even more special because it will be played on November 27, the day before Albania’s Independence Day.
The two fan groups, Drita’s “Intellectuals” and Shkëndija’s “Ballists” have promised a spectacle for this match.
Before this big match, “Gazeta Express” conducted an interview with Shkëndija’s coach, Jeton Beqiri, and the club’s media officer, Faton Zylbehari.
Beqiri on the field of play describes this match as any other match, despite the fact that it is a historic match.
“We prepare like for any other match, analyzing and respecting the opponent to the fullest, even though it is actually a truly historic match,” he initially told “Express”.
Last weekend, Shkëndija suffered a shocking and devastating defeat to Arsimi. Beqiri said that the match will be a lesson for the team.
“It was an unexpected and heavy defeat in the championship, although the final result does not reflect what was presented on the field, but we analyzed that match and I hope we learn as a team. I am very confident that we will come back strong for the next matches,” he added.
To return to the match against Drita, Beqiri hopes for a spectacle in the stands and on the playing field.
“For both me and the players, this match represents a football celebration and I believe a guaranteed spectacle both on the field and in the stands,” continued the Shkëndija coach.
Despite the fact that it will be difficult, the coach of the Tetovo team says that this match should be enjoyed. He says that “let the best man win.”
“My message for this match is: let’s enjoy this match together as Albanians and true brothers, let the best and the team that will have the most sporting luck win,” he said.
Beqiri spoke in the best words about Drita as an opponent.
