The Birkirkara FC squad received a warm welcome from a small crowd of supporters this morning when it returned from Scotland after its historic qualification to the third qualifying round of the Europa League.
Birkirkara yesterday beat Hearts 2-1 to set up a clash with Russian side Krasnodar.
Team captain Gareth Sciberras told Times of Malta that Birkirkara believed in their chances of going through after the goalless draw in the opening leg at the Hibernians stadium last week.
He said the team had a plan to contain Hearts and hit them on the counter attack, which strategy worked to perfection.
Left-back Joseph Zerafa could not describe his feelings, saying the players are 'living a dream'.
Birkirkara is the first Maltese club to reach the third round of a European competition.