Two days after Birkirkara struck a blow for local football with their 1-0 home win over MSK Zilina in the Champions League, Valletta will be aiming to keep the Maltese flag flying high by attaining a positive result in the first leg of their Europa League second qualifying round match against Poland’s KS Ruch Chorzow (kick-off 5 p.m.).
Valletta’s desire to make their mark in the Europa League is also fuelled by memories of their fine run in the same competition last season.
After easily accounting for Iceland’s Keflavik in the first round, the Citizens narrowly missed out on a berth in the third qualifying round after a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Irish side St Patrick’s.
Victory over Ruch Chorzow at the Centenary Stadium today would improve Valletta’s qualification chances but the strength of Polish football makes it imperative on Jesmond Zerafa and his charges to tread with caution.
Ruch Chorzow set up a meeting with Valletta, who were not involved in the first qualifying round matches, after dispatching Kazakhstan’s FC Shakhtyor Karagandy 3-1 on aggregate in the previous round.
Zerafa believes that a win is within Valletta’s reach today if the players perform to the maximum of their abilities.
“The priority ahead of the home leg of a European tie is always to get a good result,” Zerafa said.
“I’ve watched a number of matches of Ruch Chorzow, including their two games against Karagandy in the previous round. They are very strong physically and don’t rely on individuals.
“It will be a difficult match but we’re well prepared for the impending challenge. I believe that, on our day, we have a chance of holding our own against Chorzow.”
Defender Kenneth Scicluna is unlikely to feature for Valletta today as he has a groin injury while midfielder Edmond Agius is out with a broken foot.
Valletta’s close-season signings, Brazilians Ramon and Denni, Nigerian winger Omonigo Temile and Malta defender Jonathan Caruana, are all available for selection.
Stefan Giglio and Cleaven Frendo no longer form part of Valletta’s squad after both joined Qormi while young midfielder Dylan Grima has moved to Division One club Balzan Youths on a season-long loan.
The 5 p.m. kick-off for today’s match has been met with a few raised eyebrows amid concerns that the sweltering heat could take its toll on the players.
Zerafa admitted that the early start is not ideal at this time of the year but he hopes it will work in his side’s favour.
“It’s difficult to play a game at 5 p.m. in the summer but we have to look at it in a positive way,” Zerafa said. “I hope we use the early kick-off to our advantage.”
The City coach, who has taken over from Dutchman Ton Caanen, acknowledged that Birkirkara’s win over MSK Zilina on Tuesday has given his team a lift.
“Birkirkara’s win in the Champions League should enhance the players’ motivation,” Zerafa said.
“Their victory proves that Maltese teams are capable of cutting a good figure in European football, even when playing against stronger opposition.
“Valletta enjoyed a good run in the Europa League last season. Also, we have many players in our squad who have international experience and this is a plus for us because it reduces the fear factor.”
Zerafa is confident that the level of fitness and sharpness of most of his players has improved since the 2-0 loss to Sliema Wanderers in their second and final match of the pre-season Euro Cup.
“The timing of the Euro Cup couldn’t have been better as we needed to play some warm-up games in preparation for the Europa League,” Zerafa said. “Those games gave me the opportunity to have a look at all the players and to pep up their match sharpness.”
The referee of today’s match is Menashe Masiah, from Israel.
Today’s second qualifying round
Anorthosis vs Sibenik; Kalmar vs Dacia; Balti vs D. Bucharest; MyPa vs Sant Julia; KR vs Karpaty; Tauras vs Apoel; Zestafoni vs Dukla; Rabotnicki vs Mika; Portadown vs Qarabq; Zrinjski vs Tre Penne; Gefle vs D. Tbilisi; WIT Georgia vs Banik; Atyrau vs Gyor; Valletta vs R. Chorzow; OFK vs Zhodino; Gorica vs Randers; Ventspils vs Teteks; Elfsborg vs Iskra; A. Vienna vs S. Brijeg; Honka vs Bangor; D. Minsk vs Sillamae; Baki vs Buducnost;
Stabaek vs Dnepr; Molde vs Jelgava; Lausanne vs Borac; Differdange vs S. Zlatibor; C. Brugge vs TPS; Levski vs Dundalk; Siauliai vs W. Krakow; Utrecht vs Tirana; Brondby vs Vaduz; M. Tel Aviv vs Mogren; Besiktas vs Vikungur; Suduva vs R. Vienna; Videoton vs Maribor; Besa vs Olympiakos; Motherwell vs Breidablik; Maritimo vs S. Fingal; Cliftonville vs Cibalia; Shamrock Rovers vs B. Yehuda.
Second legs: July 22.