Partizan won’t lie back says Miller

With hopes of making further progress in the Champions League all but dashed, Valletta head into tonight’s second qualifying round return leg at Partizan Belgrade (kick-off 8.45 p.m.) looking to bow out on a better note after the 4-1 defeat to the Serbia champions last week.

Partizan’s winning margin was clear but the upset at the Hibs Stadium was hard to fathom as sloppy defending in set-piece situations hurt the Citizens’ aspirations. Now coach Mark Miller is urging his players to show that they are a much better side than the one of last Tuesday.

“The final result was somewhat harsh on us as I felt the team produced a decent display,” Miller said.

“However, that performance was tarnished by some poor defending and soft goals.

“Partizan are a strong side but we did match them for most of the 90 minutes. Now, we have to keep that same kind of intensity and focus to get a more satisfactory result.”

Miller was not surprised with Partizan’s prowess and thinks that past failures had triggered their determination to make sure of qualification as early as possible this time.

“Last season, Partizan were eliminated from the Europa League by Shamrock Rovers,” the Valletta coach said.

“Partizan underestimated their opponents on that occasion and got the surprise of their lives. This time, they did not want to suffer the same fate and came out with all guns blazing.

“I’m not expecting them to ease off at home either so it’s crucial for us to avoid conceding an early goal.”

The Citizens are in Belgrade without Jhonnattan and Jussellio, who left the club, but Brazil compatriot Gabriel, who showed some neat touches after coming on as a second-half substitute last week, is likely to start tonight.

Leandro, another newcomer, has also made the trip to Serbia.

The Brazilian striker is pepping up his pre-season to get in shape ahead of the August 3 Super Cup clash against Hibernians.

“A good match here will be of great benefit to us before the start of a new domestic campaign,” Miller said.

“Once this European adventure comes to a close our priority should be to get ready for the league. We know it won’t be easy but the players are relishing the challenge to sustain their status as the country’s top team.”

With a 4-1 lead from the first leg, you won’t blame Partizan for casting an eye on the next round and a potential clash against Cyprus’s AEL Limassol who won their first leg against Linfield 3-0 last week.

Reports say Partizan coach Vladimir Vermezovic has a few injuries to contend with so he could opt not to field his strongest formation against Valletta.

Lazar Markovic twisted his ankle at the Hibs Stadium and will undergo a late fitness test while Goran Lovre suffered a recurrence to his adductor injury.

“We are in a very strong position to progress,” striker Stefan Scepovic was quoted as saying.

“The team is playing really well and the victory in Malta boosted our self-belief. We have another 90 minutes to play though but we are confident that we can finish the job in front of our fans.”

Referee: A. Sidiropoulos (Greece).

Champions League

Second qualifying round (second Legs)

Note: First named teams play second leg away.
Third qualifying round: July 31-Aug. 1 and Aug. 7-8.