Vlazrimi Struga advanced in the North Macedonia Cup with a composed 2-0 victory over Belasica Strumica at the Gradska Plaža Stadium, using a goal in each half to turn a tight knockout tie in their favour. The home side were patient in possession, dangerous in transition and resilient without the ball, eventually breaking Belasica’s resistance through Arlind Ibraimi before Bleron Memeti sealed the result late on. It was a performance that mixed cup-football pragmatism with enough attacking quality to suggest Vlazrimi Struga can be a serious threat in the next round.

Match Overview

Vlazrimi Struga started with intent but did not allow the occasion to pull them into a reckless opening. Belasica Strumica, known for trying to impose themselves through midfield, saw plenty of the ball in the first 20 minutes without finding a way through a compact home defensive block. The hosts gradually grew into the contest, pressing higher and forcing turnovers in Belasica’s half. The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute, and from that point Vlazrimi looked the more likely side to add to their lead. Belasica improved after the interval and pushed more bodies forward, but the second goal ended their comeback hopes and sent the home support into the final minutes with confidence.

Key Moments

• 36th minute — Vlazrimi Struga 1-0: Arlind Ibraimi latched onto a clever pass between the Belasica centre-backs and finished low beyond the goalkeeper, rewarding the home side’s growing control.
• 45+2 — Belasica denied: Belasica thought they had levelled on the stroke of half-time, but the assistant’s flag cut the celebration short and kept Vlazrimi ahead at the break.
• 58th — A warning for the hosts: Belasica’s best move of the match ended with a shot flashing wide of the far post, a reminder that the tie was far from settled.
• 81st minute — Vlazrimi Struga 2-0: Bleron Memeti made the game safe after a quick counter, arriving at the back post to convert a low cross and cap a strong second-half display.
• 88th — Clean sheet secured: Vlazrimi goalkeeper Dritan Ahmeti dealt comfortably with a late set piece, preserving a deserved shutout.

Tactical Story

Vlazrimi Struga set up in a disciplined 4-2-3-1, with the double pivot protecting the back four and the wide players looking to attack the space behind Belasica’s full-backs. Their out-of-possession shape was the foundation of the win: they stayed compact centrally, forced Belasica wide and then won the second ball. When they recovered possession, they moved it forward quickly rather than overplaying in their own half. Belasica’s 4-3-3 gave them spells of possession, but too often their buildup ended in crosses from predictable areas. The away side’s full-backs pushed high after the break, and that risk was punished for the second goal when Vlazrimi broke into the space they had left behind.

Standout Players

Ibraimi was the game’s decisive attacking influence, not only for his goal but for the way he dropped into pockets and linked play under pressure. Memeti’s late finish underlined his value as a runner from wide areas, while Ahmeti’s handling and command of his penalty area gave the back line calm in the closing stages. For Belasica, goalkeeper Stojan Trajkov kept the scoreline respectable with several important saves, and their captain in midfield never stopped trying to drive the team forward. In the end, though, Vlazrimi had more control in the moments that mattered.

What the Result Means

The win sends Vlazrimi Struga into the next round of the North Macedonia Cup with momentum and a clean sheet to build on. For Belasica Strumica, the cup exit is a disappointment, but the performance showed enough attacking intent to suggest they can respond in league competition. Cup ties are often decided by fine margins, and this one turned on Vlazrimi’s ability to defend their box, take their key chances and manage the game after taking the lead. It was a professional knockout display from the hosts, and a result that will be remembered for its efficiency as much as its flair.