The qualification issue is as good as over after a 2-0 home upset but Valletta have their sights set on a repeat of their commendable performance at the National Stadium last week when they take on Artmedia Petrzalka in the second leg tonight (kick-off 8.15 p.m.).
Two quickfire, carbon-copy goals in the last 20 minutes put paid to Valletta's hopes of going into their return leg with anything resembling a realistic chance of progressing to the second qualifying round of the Champions League. But their showing on the night drew all-round praise as the Citizens not only kept their opponents at bay for long stretches but also created a handful of scoring chances.
Like all in the City clan, coach Paul Zammit was distraught at the cruel manner of his side's defeat but he hopes that last week's bittersweet experience does not undermine the players' morale and concentration ahead of the second leg.
"Losing 2-0 after such a positive and disciplined performance by my team was very disappointing," Zammit told The Times ahead of the Valletta squad's departure to Slovakia yesterday afternoon.
"I believe that the away leg will be more difficult than last week's match. We can't afford to let our concentration and commitment slip in the belief that the tie is over because that would increase the risk of suffering a heavy defeat. At this level, even the slightest mistake gets punished by the opponents and we experienced this in the home leg."
A victory by a two-goal margin flattered Artmedia last week as, for all the pre-match talk of the Slovakians being hot favourites to ease past the Citizens, their display at the National Stadium failed to vindicate such billing, albeit this was also due to Valletta's diligent approach.
Although their passage to the second qualifying round is now a formality, Artmedia are widely expected to storm into Valletta this evening in search of a morale-boosting win. Zammit is wary of Artmedia's challenge.
"The game will be played in a compact stadium which is likely to be packed with Artmedia fans," Zammit commented.
"Artmedia are the top team in Slovakia and their fans are very noisy. Interest is on the rise as Artmedia began their league campaign last weekend, beating Tatran 1-0 with a late penalty from their captain, Jan Kozak.
"The Champions League is a priority for them and I think Artmedia will be looking to improve on their performance in the first leg."
Zammit is unlikely to make significant changes from the team that started the home match against Artmedia.
Cleaven Frendo has travelled to Slovakia with the rest of his team-mates but he's out of the picture due to an ankle injury. Otherwise, Zammit has no selection problems.
New signing Luke Dimech will also be available even though this week he was handed a two-match ban by the MFA for his red card in the Euro Challenge Cup match against Marsaxlokk earlier this month. He will serve his suspension in domestic competitions.
Just as he had done in the build-up to last week's home leg, Zammit called on his players to make a good name for Maltese football.
"My challenge is to ensure that the players are 100 per cent focused and committed for the upcoming game," Zammit said.
"Repeating our performance in Malta is our aim but it will not be easy. I want my team to make life difficult for Artmedia and I believe we can do this if we play to our strengths. Our qualification chances are remote but if we are to exit the Champions League, we want to do it with our heads held high."
Referee: Vlado Svilokos (Croatia FA).