Balzan 0
Neftchi Baku 2
Hajiyev 14; Gurbanov 83 pen

Balzan: I. Janjusevic, P. Fenech, B. Macevski (65 L. Micallef), D. Grima (81 S. Arab), S. Bezzina, C. Brincat (74 J. Grioli), A. Effiong, F. De Barros, E. Serrano Valero, Bruno, B. Kaljevic.

Neftchi Baku: K. Santini, Jairo, A. Abdullayev (81 F. Muradbayli), E. Abdullayev, R. Gurbanov, M. Agayev, R. Hajiyev (75 J. Imamverdiyev), V. Shirkov, M. Isayev, D. Meinjak, Edson Castillo (90 R. Mammadov).

Referee: Jovan Kaludjerovic (Montenegro).

Yellow cards: Edson; Brincat; Grioli.

Attendance 357.

A spirited rally from Balzan in the second half failed to reap the desired dividends as a late penalty goal gave Neftchi Baku a 2-0 win that makes them firm favourites to move into the second qualifying round of the Europe League.

Making only their second ever home appearance in Europe, Balzan looked overawed by the occasion in the first half, their hesitant, cautious approach playing into the hands of the more experienced Neftchi who were the brighter team for long swathes without really turning the screw.

Neftchi looked set for a routine win but Balzan grew in stature after the change of ends, pressing their opponents all over the pitch while up front, the likes of Bojan Kaljevic and Borce Macevski upped their movement.

It looked a matter of when not if Balzan would equalise as they crafted a string of chances but their inability to punish Neftchi when these looked their most vulnerable undermined their hopes of clawing their way back into contention as the Azeris struck late to end their opponents’ revival.

Balzan’s three new signings were handed their first start as Brazilian defender Bruno partnered Colombian Elkin Serrano and Clive Brincat in central defence, Francisco Anderson de Barros, also from Brazil, flanked Paul Fenech in midfield and Macedonian forward Macevski began on the left of attack.

Spiteri’s 3-4-3 approach turned into 5-4-1 when Balzan had to chase possession.

Netchi coach Veli Gasimov fa-voured a 4-3-3 approach with Ruslan Gurbanov the main striker.

On ten minutes, Fenech tried his luck with a shot from outside the box but his effort flashed wide.

Balzan’s early optimism receded as they conceded a soft goal after 15 minutes.

Rahman Hajiyev’s swerving free-kick, from an angled position, soared towards the far post but Balzan goalkeeper Ivan Janjusevic appeared to move late, slightly touching the ball as it nestled into the net.

On 24 minutes, Araz Abdullayev’s ferocious free-kick from the distance flew past the far post.

The erstwhile subdued Balzan fashioned a good move close to the half-hour when Fenech advanced from midfield before serving Alfred Effiong in the inside-left channel. The Malta striker aimed a cross towards Kaljevic but the Montenegrin forward headed wide.

A powerful run from Dario Melnjak had Balzan on the ropes as the Neftchi left-back stormed into the area before being challenged by a defender. The loose ball rolled to Elshan Abdullayev who quickly released Melnjak but the Croatian blasted over from point-blank.

When Fenech lost possession in midfield, Elshan Abdullayev pounced to run forward unimpeded but his drive was parried away by Janjusevic.

The second half was only two minutes old when Kaljevic managed to anticipate Jairo in the box but his effort was saved by Krsevan Santini, the Neftchi goalkeeper.

Balzan were a different team in the second half, injecting more intensity into their game.

A pulverising shot from Macevski drew a good save from Santini who managed to push the ball away.

The Reds were having a go at Neftchi. Fenech’s corner from the right dropped to Bezzina whose half-volley was turned away by Santini.

From the ensuing corner, again taken by Fenech, Serrano’s header was cleared as Neftchi struggled to deal with Balzan’s rising pressure.

The third corner in the space of two minutes, this time taken by Lydon Micallef, yielded another chance as Bezzina was again first to the loose ball but his angled strike grazed the far post.

Kaljevic thought he had equalised for Balzan when he managed to nudge the ball past the goalkeeper but Shikov cleared the danger.

Balzan’s optimism was cut short when, with eight minutes left, Samir Arab, who had just entered the fray, was adjudged to have clipped Elshan Abdullayev. Gurbanov converted from the spot.