Balzan’s first European campaign came to an end last night when Oliver Spiteri’s team conceded a 1-0 defeat to Bosnia’s Zeljeznicar who progressed to the Europa League second qualifying round 3-0 on aggregate.

Damir Sadikovic grabbed the winner midway through the second half to set up a clash against Hungarian side Ferencvaros.

The hosts, buoyed by last week’s 2-0 first leg win in Malta, enjoyed long spells of possession in the first half with Balzan trying to hit their opponents on the counter.

Zoran Kokot was a thorn in Balzan’s defence and twice went close to break the stalemate.

Early on, he saw his shot just missing the target while nine minutes from the break he was denied by Balzan keeper Valerio Senatore.

Balzan’s best chance fell to Justin Grioli but he fired wide.

On the restart, the visitors tried to push more men forward and on the hour Ryan Fenech went close to mark his Balzan debut with a goal but his effort was blocked by goalkeeper Marijan Antolovic.

Zeljeznicar got the winner on 68 minutes when Rijad Bajic set up Sadikovic who rifled his shot home.

The woodwork denied the hosts a second goal when Ognjen Djelmic’s shot hit the upright.

Balzan: V. Senatore, J. Grioli, S. Arab, S. Bezzina, E. Serrano, R. Fenech, E. Bilboa Zarate, D. Grima (79 R. Darmanin), C. Brincat, T. Agius (73 L. Micallef), I. Guobadia (90 M. Borg).

Referee: V. Dimitriou (Cyprus FA).