BITOLA, North Macedonia (Interstat) — In a tightly contested Macedonian First League match that defied pregame projections, home side Pelister and visiting FK Makedonija Gjorche Petrov played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday at Stadion pod Tumbe Kafe.

The result saw both teams add a point to their season totals, with Pelister moving to five wins, five losses and four draws in league play, while FK Makedonija Gjorche Petrov’s record now stands at three wins, eight losses and three draws.

The match’s outcome was a surprise according to statistical models. Interstat’s ELO system had given Pelister an 81.40 percent probability of securing a victory, while its game simulator had projected a higher-scoring 2-2 draw.

The visiting side from Gjorche Petrov, often referred to simply as Makedonija, struck first, silencing the home crowd in the 17th minute. Hristijan Pecov found the back of the net, giving his team an early advantage and putting Pelister on the back foot.

That lead held for nearly the entire remainder of the first half and well into the second. It wasn’t until the 63rd minute that Pelister found its equalizer. Luka Bulatović scored to level the match, ensuring the points would be shared.

The draw continues a recent trend of competitive matches between the two clubs. In their previous meeting on Aug. 31, it was FK Makedonija Gjorche Petrov who came out on top with a 2-1 victory on their home pitch. Saturday’s result provides a measure of revenge for Pelister, albeit not the full three points they were favored to earn.

For FK Makedonija Gjorche Petrov, the single point represents a positive step after a difficult stretch. The team entered the match on a three-game losing streak in the First League, having fallen to Sileks, Shkendija and Struga in their most recent outings. The draw halts that skid and provides a foundation to build upon as they look to climb the table.

Pelister, meanwhile, was unable to build on the momentum from its most recent result, a commanding 3-0 away victory over Shkupi on Tuesday. The home side has experienced inconsistent form, mixing impressive wins with frustrating losses and draws. Their overall record across all competitions now stands at seven wins, six losses and four draws, while FK Makedonija Gjorche Petrov’s combined record is four wins, nine losses and three draws.

Looking ahead, both teams face a quick turnaround in the league schedule. FK Makedonija Gjorche Petrov is set for a busy period, hosting Vardar on Friday, Dec. 5, before traveling to face AP Brera Strumica on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Pelister also has a double-match week upcoming. They will host FK Rabotnichki Skopje on Sunday, Dec. 7, followed by a road fixture against KF Arsimi-1973 Chegrane the very next day, Monday, Dec. 8.

The draw leaves both teams in the middle of the First League table as the season approaches its winter break, with Pelister holding a slightly more favorable position than their opponents from Saturday.