FK Žalgiris……………2
Ħamrun Spartans….0
At the FK Žalgiris Stadium, Ħamrun Spartans fell to a 2-0 defeat against Lithuanian champions FK Žalgiris in the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round, with both goals coming in the second half.
Ħamrun had several promising moments throughout the match but struggled to convert their chances. Ryan Camenzuli fired just over the bar early on, and Matias Garcia went close with a shot from the edge of the area. On 37 minutes, Joseph Mbong had a golden opportunity when he broke through on goal, but his effort was too central and comfortably saved.
After the break, Mbong was again denied, this time by the onrushing Žalgiris keeper, following a precise throughball from Koffi. Cadenovic also set up Koffi for a header that sailed over, while late efforts from Mbong and Cadenovic were both stopped by Olses in goal.
The missed chances came back to haunt the Maltese side. On 59 minutes, Žalgiris took the lead when Yuri Kendysh headed a Tavares free-kick into the path of Donát Antal, who beat Bonello with a neat finish. Then, in the 84th minute, substitute Kassim Hadji sealed the win, latching onto a throughball from Ofori and slotting past the Spartans’ keeper.
Despite a spirited performance and periods of dominance, Ħamrun were ultimately left to rue their missed opportunities, while Žalgiris took their chances clinically.
Ħamrun will now host Žalgiris for the second leg match, next Tuesday at 7pm at the Centenary Stadium.
