The UEFA Champions League qualifying match between Struga and Zalgiris will take place at Atina Bojadi Stadium on Tuesday at 8:30 pm IST.
Struga is eager to capitalize on their home advantage as they prepare to host FK Zalgiris at Stadion Biljanini Izvori in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League first round of qualifiers on Tuesday evening. Struga, who has never qualified for the competition before, faces an uphill battle as the underdogs in this important match. On the other hand, FK Zalgiris made it to the third round of qualification last season but was eliminated by FK Bodo/Glimt.
Struga faced significant domination for a large portion of the first leg, as their opponents swiftly took control and applied immense pressure in the opening half. However, Vedran Kjosevski’s remarkable saves kept their team on level terms as they entered halftime. Although they managed to create a few opportunities in the second half, Struga noticeably struggled throughout the match and could have easily conceded two or three goals if their opponents had been more clinical in their finishing. Struga clinched their first-ever league title last season, accumulating 68 points in 30 matches. Their performance was notably superior, finishing 10 points ahead of second-placed Shkupi, and they were the only team to remain unbeaten at home throughout the entire season.
Meanwhile, FK Zalgiris secured their third consecutive A Lyga championship title in the previous season, accumulating an impressive 84 points from 36 matches. This total was 21 points ahead of Kauno Zalgiris, who finished in second place. However, the current season has presented a different scenario for them, as they find themselves engaged in a heated competition with Panevezys. Panevezys currently hold a three-point lead in the league standings after 21 matches, and they have played one game less than the defending champions. The visiting team remains highly favored to secure victory in this match. They enter the game on an unbeaten run of nine matches in all competitions and boast a four-match winning streak in away games.
Struga probable starting lineup: Kjosevski, Maliki, Neziri, Radic, Krivanjeva, Zguro, Radeski, Shabani, Tairi, Bokju, Kocoski
Zalgiris probable starting lineup: Gertmonas, Bopesu, Hnid, Vucur, Pavelic, Gorobsov, Kendysh, Golubickas, Karashima, Kazlauskas, Kehinde
Struga
| Opponents | Score |
| Zalgiris | 0-0 (D) |
| Makedonija | 3-1 (L) |
| Shkupi | 2-1 (W) |
| Shkendija | 1-2 (W) |
| Sileks | 3-0 (W) |
Zalgiris
| Opponents | Score |
| Struga | 0-0 (D) |
| Riteriai | 3-0 (W) |
| Banga Gargzdai | 1-4 (W) |
| FK Kauno Zalgiris | 2-5 (W) |
| Telsiai | 1-2 (W) |
The UEFA Champions League qualifying match between Struga and Zalgiris will take place at Atina Bojadi Stadium on Tuesday at 8:30 pm IST.
| Struga vs Zalgiris | Key Details |
| Date | July 18 (North Macedonia) |
| Venue | Atina Bojadi Stadium |
| Kickoff time in North Macedonia | 5:00 pm (Tuesday) |
| Kickoff time in Lithuania | 6:00 pm (Tuesday) |
| Kickoff time in India | 8:30 pm (Tuesday) |
Football fans in USA can catch the live action via TUDN, Univision and Fox Sports network. Meanwhile, North Maceonians can tune to Star + and ESPN Norte.
More football news:
Declan Rice to Arsenal: Why did the English international move from West Ham to Arsenal?
Liverpool pre-season: What Jurgen Klopp made about the club’s pre-season till now?
Follow Us
