Valletta kept alive their hopes of upsetting FC Utrecht in the Europa League second qualifying round when the Citizens held the Dutch giants to a goalless draw at the Hibs Stadium.

It was an impressive performance by the Maltese outfit who managed to contain their more-quoted opponents for much of the match and even managed to create the better chances but in the end settled for a draw that keeps them still within a chance of progressing ahead of next week’s second leg.

Valletta came close on 13 minutes when Santiago Malanao chipped the ball into the path of Maximiliano Velasco and the Argentine saw his shot blocked in two attempts by goalkeeper David Jensen.

Vitesse finally threatened on the half hour when Van De Streek’s low drive was somehow pushed away goalkeeper Henry Bonello.

At the other end, Valletta threatened when Malano picked Romao at the edge of the area and his low drive was parried away by Jensen.

Utrecht looked to step up their game on the restart and on 49 minutes Sean Klaiber sped into the area and his low shot was blocked by Bonello with his feet.

On 86 minutes Valletta protested for a penalty when they contended that Mifsud’s shot had hit the arm of Ayoub but the referee waved away their protests.

Utrecht tried to pile up the pressure late on but Valletta held on to a prestigious result to the delight of their fans.