BALZAN-0, NEFTCHI BAKU-2
Balzan produced a bold second-half performance but it was not enough as they slipped to a 2-0 loss to Azerbaijan side Neftchi Baku in the first leg of their Europa League first qualifying round match.
Neftchi were the better side in the opening period but Balzan piled the pressure after the change of ends, missing at least three good chances to equalise in the second half but their failure to score returned to haunt them as Neftchi converted a late penalty to all but secure their place in the next round of the Europa League.
Neftchi Baku were the better team in a dull first half.
They took the lead after 14 minutes when Rahman Hajiyev's free-kick, from a wide position, surprised Ivan Janjusevic, the Balzan goalkeeper.
Before that, Paul Fenech was wide with a shot from outside the box.
Neftchi had a great chance to double their lead but Dario Melnjak fired over from close range after his run had unsettled the Balzan defence.
Two minutes into the second half, Balzan striker Kaljevic managed to anticipate Jairo in the box but his effort was saved by Krsevan Santini, the Neftchi goalkeeper.
There was also a chance for Neftchi but Vanche Shikov hit wide from a favourable position.
Balzan showed signs of improvement at the start of the second half. Macevski was dangerous with a strong shot that was pushed away by Santini.
Fenech's corner from the right dropped to Bezzina whose half-volley was touched away by Santini.
Balzan maintained their pressure on Netchi.
From another corner, again taken by Fenech, Serrano's header was cleared. The third corner in the space of two minutes, this time taken by Lydon Micallef, who had just come on for Macevski, procured another chance as Bezzina was again first to the loose ball but his angled strike grazed the far post.
Kaljevic, looking much sharper than in the first half, thought that he had equalised for Balzan when he managed to nudge the ball past the goalkeeper after racing on o Fenech's intelligent pass but Shikov was on the right spot to repel the danger.
But, with seven minutes, Balzan's hopes of forcing an equaliser were shattered as Neftchi doubled their lead. They were awarded a penalty after Samir Arab, who had just replaced Grima, tripped Elshan Abdullayev inside the area. Gurbanov made no mistake from the spot.