Malta Sport will be on the ground in Lithuania to follow Ħamrun Spartans every step of the way as they prepare to face FK Žalgiris in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.
Our team will provide exclusive coverage from the heart of Vilnius, including training sessions, press conferences, interviews with key players and supporters, and behind-the-scenes access throughout the week.
The Maltese champions departed Malta and are en route to Vilnius, where they will play the opening leg of their two-legged tie on Wednesday, 9 July, at the LFF Stadionas. With ambitions of reaching the group stages of the UEFA Conference League at the very least, Ħamrun are looking to take a significant step forward on the European stage.
The draw in Nyon saw Ħamrun paired with Lithuanian champions FK Žalgiris, a side with a strong European pedigree. While the Spartans avoided powerhouses like Malmö and KuPS, Žalgiris remains a tough test. Currently mid-season in their domestic league, the Lithuanians may hold a physical edge heading into this clash.
That said, Žalgiris are struggling for form, sitting eighth in their ten-team league, 13 points adrift of leaders FK Kauno Žalgiris. Although they won the league last year, their European campaign in 2024 ended in disappointment, losing to Cypriot side Pafos 4–2 on aggregate. Their high point came in 2022–23 when they reached the UEFA Conference League group stage, facing Basel, Slovan Bratislava, and Pyunik.
For Ħamrun, this is more than just another qualifier. After early exits in both the Champions League and Conference League last season, falling to Lincoln Red Imps and FK Balkani, respectively, the club is eager to prove it belongs on the continental stage.
One key advantage for the Spartans is playing the second leg at home, offering them the chance to seal qualification in front of their supporters. Armed with a revamped squad and renewed focus, they’ll need a disciplined and fearless performance in Vilnius to set the tone.
Malta Sport’s correspondent in Lithuania will provide fans with everything from exclusive training clips and tactical previews to post-match reactions and fan atmosphere, as Ħamrun Spartans aim to write another historic chapter in their European journey.
Stay connected with Malta Sport across all platforms for the most comprehensive and immersive coverage of Ħamrun’s UEFA Champions League adventure.
