The North Macedonia First Football League derby between Shkendija Tetovo and FC Vardar Skopje ended in a tense 0-0 draw at the Ecolog Arena on Saturday, 24 October 2026. Both sides had moments to win it, but a combination of disciplined defending, excellent goalkeeping and one crucial offside call kept the scoreline blank.

Match overview

Shkendija controlled the ball for long spells and looked the more likely side to break the deadlock in the first half. Their best chance arrived in the 34th minute when a deep cross found a header that crashed against the crossbar. Vardar, meanwhile, sat deeper and looked to strike on the counter-attack, with their pace on the flanks causing occasional problems for Shkendija’s advanced full-backs.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Shkendija pushed more players forward, but Vardar’s defensive block remained organised and compact. The visitors nearly stole the win in the 78th minute when they finished a fast break, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Shkendija piled on late pressure, but Vardar’s goalkeeper produced a strong save in stoppage time to preserve the clean sheet.

Key moments

• 12’ – Early warning: Vardar’s first counter-attack ended with a low shot that was saved at the near post.
• 34’ – Shkendija hit the bar: A powerful header from a corner beat the goalkeeper but not the woodwork.
• 58’ – Midfield battle: A cynical foul stopped a promising Shkendija break and earned the first yellow card of the match.
• 78’ – Goal disallowed: Vardar finished a swift move, but the assistant’s flag cut the celebrations short.
• 90+3’ – Late save: Vardar’s goalkeeper tipped over a dipping effort from distance.

Tactical story

Shkendija played with a high line and plenty of width, trying to pin Vardar back and create crossing opportunities. Their midfielders rotated well, but they struggled to find clear openings against a Vardar side that defended the penalty area with discipline. Vardar’s approach was more reactive: they invited pressure, kept their shape, and looked to release their forwards quickly whenever Shkendija lost the ball in advanced areas.

The derby was decided by the battle between Shkendija’s patience and Vardar’s resistance. Shkendija had more possession and more corners, but Vardar produced the clearer counter-attacking moments. In the end, neither side did enough to claim a winner, and both managers will have taken encouragement from the defensive side of their teams’ performances.

Standout players

Vardar’s goalkeeper was the outstanding performer, making several important saves, including the late stop from distance. Shkendija’s centre-backs dealt well with the visitors’ counter-attacks and were rarely beaten in open play. In midfield, Shkendija’s captain set the tempo and kept his side moving forward, while Vardar’s wide forwards carried the biggest threat on the break.

Season impact

A point apiece keeps both clubs in the early title conversation, but the draw feels more satisfying for Vardar, who showed they can frustrate one of the league’s strongest sides away from home. Shkendija will view it as two points dropped, especially given their second-half pressure. In the North Macedonia First Football League, where derby results can shape momentum, this goalless draw leaves both teams with plenty to build on and a lingering sense that the title race will be closely fought.