Ħamrun Spartans were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round after suffering a 3-0 defeat in the second leg against Dynamo Kyiv, resulting in a 6-0 aggregate win for the Ukrainian side.
Dynamo Kyiv were the more threatening team in the first half but had to wait until the 28th minute to break the deadlock following a major defensive error from Ħamrun. Bonello played the ball to Polito, who attempted a back pass, but Vanat intercepted and slotted past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. The lead was doubled in the 35th minute, as Brazhko scored from close range after a well-constructed move.
Ħamrun had their best chance in the 71st minute when Marcelina’s header was well saved by goalkeeper Neshcheret.
In the 82nd minute, Dynamo sealed the win. After Cadjenovic cleared a corner from Shaparenko, Dynamo regained possession and Mykhavko found the net after Ħamrun’s defence failed to react quickly.
Dynamo Kyiv thus won the tie with a convincing 6-0 aggregate score.
Ħamrun Spartans will now drop into the UEFA Europa League qualifying path, where they will face the winner of the tie between Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) and Pafos (Cyprus).
Line-ups:
Dynamo Kyiv: 35. Neshcheret (GK), 20. Karavayev (C) (73′ 18. Tymchyk), 40. Bilovar, 32. Mykhavko, 2. Vivcharenko, 10. Shaparenko, 6. Brazhko, 8. Pikhalonok (73′ 5. Yatsyk), 22. Kabaiev (46′ 21. Supryaha), 11. Vanat (46′ 99. Ponomarenko), 9. Voloshyn (81′ 45. Braharu).
Ħamrun Spartans: 1. Bonello (GK) (C), 2. Compri, 27. Bjelicic, 13. Polito, 94. Camenzuli (46′ 3. Nikolai Micallef), 10. Mbong (86′ 9. Thioune), 20. Cadjenovic, 8. Garcia (46′ 25. Eder), 28. Mihana (46′ 91. Marcelina Emerson), 33. Simkus, 19. Koffi (71′ Djile).
Referee: Jakob Sundberg (Denmark)
