Birkirkara are bidding for an historic qualification to the third qualifying round of the Europa League when they play guests to Scottish side Hearts in the Europa League second leg, in Tynecastle, tonight (kick-off: 9pm).
Last week’s goalless stalemate at Corradino left the tie evenly poised and Birkirkara coach Drazen Besek is confident his players can seize the opportunity and write a new chapter in the club’s history by ousting their more-quoted opponents and set up a third-round tie against Russians Krasnodar.
“The goalless draw in the first leg has left both teams with an equal chance of progressing,” Besek told Times of Malta.
“Hearts will have the advantage of playing at home so they will fancy their chances of winning the tie. But we have already shown that we can be competitive away from home as well. In our previous away match, we held Siroki Brijeg to a 1-1 draw in Bosnia.
“Our first match against Hearts was very encouraging. This is a big opportunity for us to reach the next round and the players are ready to put their best effort into it and give their all.”
The build-up for today’s match was not short of problems for the Stripes as their Serbian players had to fly to Paris first to obtain visa documents before reaching the Scottish capital city.
Defender Predrag Jovic, who missed the opening leg due to an injury, is still not 100 per cent fit and Besek confirmed that the 29-year-old will have to undergo a late fitness test.
On a more positive note, striker Matteo Desira Buttigieg has completed rehabilitation from injury and travelled with the squad.
The Croatian coach is aware of the difficult test awaiting his team and stressed on the importance of keeping tactical shape throughout. A score draw will also suit the Stripes today to eliminate Hearts.
“The physical aspect will be crucial against Hearts,” Besek said.
“They will apply a lot of pressure so it will be important for us to stay 100 per cent focused, make good use of the ball when in possession and try to score an away goal.
“We all have faith in our players and that makes me more confident that Birkirkara can rise to the occasion.”
Hearts are brimming with confidence after selling over 10,000 tickets for this evening’s match. Coach Robbie Neilson wants Hearts to settle their nerves early.
“Our main hope is to try and get an early goal,” Neilson was quoted as saying.
“The team played very well in the first leg but we just couldn’t put the ball into the back of their net so we have to be patient.
“We need to realise the way Birkirkara play it’s very difficult to find openings in their half. But, with a good pitch and a good crowd behind us, I think we have the quality to score goals.”
Finland referee Ville Nevalainen will officiate today’s match.
Sant to ref in Dublin
It was confirmed that Malta FA referee Alan Mario Sant has been appointed by UEFA to officiate today’s Europa League match between St Patrick’s (Ireland) and Dinamo Minsk (Belarus) at Richmond Park, Dublin.
Roberto Vella and Luke Portelli will be assistant referees and Mario Apap fourth official.
The first leg between St Patrick’s and Dinamo Minsk in Belarus had ended one-all.