Brera Strumica U19 produced a stunning 8-0 demolition of FC Santa Coloma U19 in their UEFA Youth League first-round tie at the Stadion Mladost on 14 October 2026. A hat-trick from Aleksandar Trajkovski and a brace from Ilija Dimitrievski powered the North Macedonian side to a record-breaking victory that leaves them firmly in contention for a place in the next round.

Match Overview

The writing was on the wall inside five minutes when Trajkovski opened the scoring with a composed finish. Brera Strumica’s high press suffocated Santa Coloma, who struggled to string two passes together. By the 31st minute the score was 4-0, with Dimitrievski scoring twice and winger Stefan Nikolov adding another. A fifth goal just before half-time effectively ended the contest. The second half was a procession, with Trajkovski completing his hat-trick and substitutes Marko Petrov and David Iliev adding late goals to complete the rout.

Key Moments

• 5' – Goal: Aleksandar Trajkovski slots home after a defensive mix-up.
• 12' – Goal: Ilija Dimitrievski doubles the lead with a header from a corner.
• 23' – Goal: Stefan Nikolov curls a shot into the far corner.
• 31' – Goal: Dimitrievski scores his second after a slick team move.
• 45' – Goal: Trajkovski grabs his second from the penalty spot.
• 58' – Goal: Trajkovski completes his hat-trick with a powerful drive.
• 72' – Goal: Substitute Marko Petrov taps in from close range.
• 85' – Goal: David Iliev rounds off the scoring with a neat finish.

Tactical Story

Brera Strumica lined up in an adventurous 4-3-3 with instructions to press high and attack the flanks. Santa Coloma’s 5-4-1 defensive setup was overwhelmed by the intensity of the hosts’ movement. Brera’s midfield trio of Nikolov, Petrov and captain Goran Stojanov controlled the game completely, recycling possession quickly and feeding the front three. The Andorran side had no answer to the pace and physicality of their opponents, and the scoreline could have been even greater but for several fine saves from their goalkeeper.

Standout Players

Aleksandar Trajkovski was unstoppable, his hat-trick taking his tally to five goals in two UEFA Youth League matches. Ilija Dimitrievski was equally impressive, his two goals and an assist showcasing his all-round game. For Santa Coloma, goalkeeper Marc Pujol deserves credit for keeping the score below double figures, making eight saves including a second-half penalty stop.

UEFA Youth League Standings Impact

The emphatic win gives Brera Strumica U19 a huge advantage in the first-round tie, effectively securing their progression to the next stage. The eight-goal margin also boosts their goal difference significantly, which could prove crucial in the domestic champions path. FC Santa Coloma U19 face an almost impossible task in the return leg, needing to overturn an eight-goal deficit on home soil.

Next Up

Brera Strumica U19 will look to finish the job in the second leg on 21 October, while FC Santa Coloma U19 play for pride in front of their own supporters.