Overturn, controversy and controversial decision at Elbasan Arena! Elbasan has finally found its first victory since Glen Daja took over, triumphing 2-1 over Partizan in a match that produced emotions, overturns and many discussions about the refereeing decisions. The three points of the yellow-blues came after a dramatic end, where the episode of Ardit Nikaj's goal in the 88th minute returned to the center of attention, leaving behind question marks on the interpretation of the action.
Beyond the result, this match was characterized by two different scenes: Partizan, who for a good part of the challenge managed to control the advantage, and Elbasan, who insisted until the end, taking advantage of the decisive moments to overturn everything.
Partizan started better, but failed to maintain the advantage.
The Reds took the lead first and for a good part of the match they tried to manage the score through careful organization in the back. Partizani managed to limit the spaces for the opponent, while goalkeeper Qirko's interventions helped the team maintain the advantage.
However, Elbasan's pressure and insistence on staying in the game changed the course of the match. The Yellow-Blues found the equalizer with Mazarin, who took advantage of a deflection, restoring balance and giving the home team the confidence to demand more.
The 88th minute, the episode that sparked controversy
The most controversial moment of the match came at the end. Ardit Nikaj sent the ball into the net in the 88th minute, but Elbasan's celebration was cut short by the winger's offside signal. Initially, the goal was not awarded, causing protests from the home team players.
Referee Ermis Çelaj decided to review the episode, while the VAR system intervention confirmed that Nikaj was in an offside position. Despite this finding, the main referee interpreted that the player's initial position should not have been taken into account in the evaluation of the action and decided to overturn the winger's decision.
Thus, the goal was awarded and Elbasan took a 2-1 lead, securing a victory that will be long debated because of the way the decisive episode was judged. It is precisely this decision that shifted the focus from the result to the interpretation of the rules and the role of the referee in the decisive moments of the match.
First victory for Glen Daja, alarm for Partizan
For Elbasan, this success is of particular importance, as it represents the first victory under the leadership of Glen Daja. The upset shows that the team managed to stay in the competition until the end and take advantage of the opportunities created in a match where the result seemed to be smiling on the opponent.
On the other hand, the loss is a heavy blow for Partizan and coach Karoglan. The Reds suffer their third consecutive defeat under his leadership, further complicating the situation at a time when the team needs to return to positive results.
In the end, Elbasan leaves with three points and a victory that could serve as a starting point for a turnaround in the season. Partizan, meanwhile, is left with the disappointment of a match where they had taken the lead and resisted against their opponent, but where everything was decided in the last minutes by an episode that is expected to continue to be the subject of discussion.
