Bravo Secure Vital 2–1 Victory Against Shkendija in Ljubljana
IPK
NK Bravo opened their UEFA Conference League second qualifying round campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory against North Macedonian side KF Shkendija. Goals from Rok Kopatin and Jakoslav Stanković at Stožice Stadium provide the Slovenians with a slim advantage heading into the return leg
Foto: Lovro K - Mr Green
Bravo Secure Vital 2–1 Victory Against Shkendija in Ljubljana
NK Bravo took a significant step toward the next round of the UEFA Conference League qualifiers with a 2–1 win over KF Shkendija on July 23. In a match filled with tension at Stožice Stadium, Aleš Arnol’s men showed great character to overcome an early deficit and claim the first-leg advantage.
A Comeback at Stožice
The match didn't start as planned for the home side. Shkendija, a team with considerable European experience, applied pressure early on and were awarded a penalty in the 11th minute. Endrit Krasniqi stepped up and clinicaly converted from the spot to give the visitors a 1–0 lead.
Bravo, however, refused to be shaken. Playing at the national stadium, the Ljubljana-based club began to find their rhythm and looked dangerous on the break. The equaliser came in the 19th minute through Rok Kopatin, who finished a well-worked move to bring the crowd to their feet and level the score at 1–1 before the twenty-minute mark.
Stanković Nets the Winner
The second half was a tactical battle, with both teams looking for an opening while remaining cautious at the back. The decisive moment arrived in the 56th minute. Following an excellent delivery from Gašper Jovan, Jakoslav Stanković found the back of the net to put Bravo 2–1 ahead.
Shkendija pushed forward in the final half-hour in search of an equaliser, but Bravo's defense, led by the experienced Matjaž Rozman in goal, remained disciplined. Despite several late substitutions from the Macedonian side aimed at increasing their attacking threat, the Slovenian "Yellow and Blues" held firm to secure the win.
The Final Verdict
This victory marks a successful European night for Bravo, who carry a one-goal lead to Tetovo. While a 2–1 result leaves the tie open, the performance showed that Bravo can compete at this level and remain composed under pressure. Their ability to overturn an early penalty shows a growing maturity in international competition.
The return leg will be played on July 30 at the Ecolog Arena in North Macedonia, where Shkendija will be looking to use their home advantage to turn the tie around.
Match Stats:
Goals: Kopatin (19'), Stanković (56'); Krasniqi (11' pen)
Venue: Stožice Stadium, Ljubljana
Competition: UEFA Conference League Qualifiers
Sources: [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c98v18rq1e2t), [UEFA](https://www.uefa.com/uefaconferenceleague/match/2048831--bravo-vs-shkendija/)
