Floriana and Valletta now know the next obstacle that could await them in the UEFA Conference League after Monday’s third qualifying round draw mapped out both Maltese clubs’ potential paths.
Floriana or Kosovo champions Drita will face San Marino’s Tre Fiori in the champions path. The first leg is scheduled for Thursday, 6 August, with Tre Fiori at home, before the return match on 13 August.
In the league path, the winners of Valletta’s tie with Raków Częstochowa will meet either Hammarby of Sweden or Belgian side Anderlecht. The Raków-Valletta winner would host the first leg on 6 August and travel for the return one week later.
Floriana handed a clear target
The draw gives Floriana a clear view of what lies beyond their immediate test against Drita. Progress would earn the Greens a tie against Tre Fiori, but their attention must first remain firmly on the two second-round meetings with the Kosovan champions.
Tre Fiori enter at the third qualifying round in the champions path. Their presence means the winner of Floriana-Drita will not have to wait for another second-round tie to be completed before learning the identity of their next possible opponent.
The first leg in San Marino would place early importance on managing the away fixture, with the decisive return scheduled to be played at the home of either Floriana or Drita.
Valletta could face major European opposition
Valletta’s route contains a potentially high-profile third-round contest. The Citizens must first negotiate a demanding tie against Raków, with Maltasport’s earlier coverage outlining the Polish challenge.
Should Valletta advance, they would then meet the winners of Hammarby-Anderlecht. Anderlecht’s European pedigree would make them the standout name in that section, although Hammarby would also present a difficult assignment.
The draw does not alter the immediate task for either Maltese club, but it adds definition to the road ahead. Floriana and Valletta now know that two successful second-round ties would keep Malta represented into August, with places in the play-off round then one step away.
