July 13, 2017
Europa League - 2nd round qualifying 1st leg
Shkednija 3 HFK Helsinki 1
Attendance - 1,492
Over the past few years, most European matches in Macedonia had been played in Skopje, but the main stadium this time around was not available. Most of the early round European matches were played in Strumica in the southeast part of the country.
Mladost Stadium was in poor condition at the time, and probably barely qualified for European play. The only positive was the pitch, which was in fantastic condition.
Shkendija are from Tetovo in the northwest of Macedonia and about 200km from Strumica. This fact obviously hurt attendance, and the 37C temperature certainly didn't help either.
Since last summer the stadium has hosted a few full international matches and has been renovated with new seats, stands, and proper lighting.
