Shkëndija lead after round 3 of the MFL, Vardar sit three points
Shkëndija are the only team with a perfect start; Vardar have fallen to three points after two derby defeats.
Round three of the Macedonian First Football League (MFL) concluded with yesterday’s derby in Struga and the match organised by the Football Federation of Macedonia (FFM). Struga TL beat Vardar 1:0 thanks to a goal from Maleski, while Shkëndija routed Bregalnica 4:1.
Standings after 3rd round
Shkëndija sit alone at the top with a maximum nine points — the Tetovo side are the only team with "three out of three" victories. Sileks and Struga TL share second place on seven points each; both clubs have two wins and one draw, and that draw came on the road.
Tikvesh are fourth with six points, followed by Shkëndija Arachinovo on four. Vardar have only three points, the same tally as Bregalnica and Arsimi. Skopje have one point, while Bashkimi remain without a win.
The situation looks particularly worrying for the reigning champions: Vardar have lost both derby matches so far — against Shkëndija and Struga TL — and now face Sileks in their next fixture. After three rounds Vardar sit six points behind Shkëndija and four points adrift of Struga TL and Sileks.
These early standings already shape the narrative of the opening phase of the season: Shkëndija have momentum, several clubs are still jockeying for position near the top, and Vardar will need a response in the coming fixtures if they are to salvage their title defence.
Photo: press material from the event
