FLASH NEWS
Today, at "Niko Dovana", the battle for the Superiore team... Teuta or Pogradec?
2026-05-16 15:53:37 / SPORT
The "Niko Dovana" Stadium in Durrës hosts today, Saturday, May 16 at 16:00, the decisive play-out match of the "Abissnet Superiores". This challenge will determine the tenth and final team that will take a place in the Albanian football elite for the upcoming 2026–2027 season. This direct confrontation is played on the coast, with Teuta having the advantage of its own field.
Teuta, the pride of Durrës challenged on the doorstep
Teuta finished in eighth place and will play this final for their place in the "Abissnet Superiore", after an unstable season. Although they spent most of the championship outside the danger zone, the boys led by coach Dobi suffered a significant shake-up in recent weeks, failing to consolidate to aim for the upper zone of the table.
The regular season started with ten teams (Egnatia, Vllaznia, Partizani, Dinamo City, AF Elbasani, Teuta, Bylis, Tirana, Vora and Flamurtari), and although the Durrës team escaped relegation, they did not provide the necessary conviction. Today, in front of their own fans, the "boys of the sea" have a golden opportunity to settle scores and ensure survival without having to prolong their anxiety any further.
Pogradec, the return of the "lake dwellers" after 14 years
If Pogradec succeeds, it would return to the elite for the first time since 2012. Pogradec have played among the best in two other seasons, precisely from 1991 to 1993. This is a club with history, but which has stayed away from the spotlight for 14 years.
This year, the "Lakeside" maintained a very high pace in the First Category, accumulating 61 points and confirming themselves as serious contenders. Their journey to the play-offs was a real march of force: they first eliminated Kastrioti and then Besa e Kavajës in the grand final of the First Category, played at the "Elbasan Arena". That dramatic challenge was decided in extra time (1-0), lasted 120 minutes and produced three red cards. After all that sacrifice, Pogradec is now in front of the big goal.
Historic meetings between the two teams
The confrontations between Teuta and Pogradec are relatively rare, given the long absence of the Lakers in the elite. The last matches between them date back to May 2012, when both teams were in the Superiore. From that moment on, their paths diverged: Teuta remained a pillar of the supreme category, while Pogradec had to embark on a long and difficult journey of resurgence.
However, history clearly leans towards the coastal side, who have a much more consolidated tradition at the elite level. Only ten clubs in the history of Albanian football have managed to be declared champions, and Teuta is one of them with two titles won.
Superiore 2026–2027, what will the new championship look like?
Despite today's result, the picture of "Abissnet Superiores" for the next season is almost complete. Bylis and Flamurtari closed the championship in 9th and 10th places, falling directly to the First Category.
At the other end of the scale, the four teams that secured the "Final Four" stage are Vllaznia, AF Elbasani, Egnatia and Dinamo City. Meanwhile, Partizani, Vora and Tirana secured their place after the end of the regular season. From the First Category, the two direct tickets to the elite were secured by Skënderbeu i Korçës and Laçi, as the top two in the standings.
With only one spot remaining empty, the 2026–2027 Abissnet Superiore map will consist of: Vllaznia, AF Elbasani, Egnatia, Dinamo City, Partizani, Vora, Tirana, Skënderbeu, Laçi and the winner of today's match between Teuta and Pogradec.
What's at stake today?
For Teuta, it's about pride, status and tradition - a club with two stars in history cannot accept relegation, especially when playing at home. For Pogradec, this is the moment of an entire generation. After 14 years of waiting and a brilliant season crowned with victories in the play-offs, the "Lakeside" have all the energy and courage to write history.
16:00, "Niko Dovana". The tenth place of the Albanian elite is decided today!
Happening now...
Molotov cocktail on Saturday, shopping on Thursday!
Nga Bato Kosova
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