Champions League Qualifiers – First Round, First Leg
LFF Stadium, Vilnius
Wednesday 9 July, 18:00 (GMT +2)
Ħamrun Spartans return to Champions League action on Wednesday evening as they begin their qualifying campaign with a tough away match against Lithuanian side FK Žalgiris.
Both teams are aiming to reach the next round, where a possible match against Dynamo Kyiv awaits. But for Ħamrun, this is more than just another game – they’re chasing history, hoping to reach the second qualifying round for the first time ever.
Form and Background
FK Žalgiris are one of Lithuania’s top teams, winning the league four times in the last five years. However, their 2025 season hasn’t gone to plan – they’re currently sixth in the table and closer to the bottom than the top.
Still, they seem to be improving just in time for Europe. They’ve recently won two games in a row for the first time this year, beating FK Panevėžys and Banga Gargžda.
Their attack has struggled without Romanian striker Liviu Antal, who scored 20 goals last season. He’s just come back from injury and could make a difference. Defender Luka Dumancic also poses a threat, especially from set pieces – he scored the winner in their last league match.
Last season, Žalgiris were knocked out in the second round of the Conference League by Pafos FC after beating VPS of Finland.
Ħamrun Spartans travel to Vilnius as champions of Malta, having won the league despite finishing fourth in the regular season.
In Europe last season, they were unlucky to go out on penalties to Lincoln Red Imps in the Champions League qualifiers, then lost to Ballkani of Kosovo in the Conference League.
Likely Line-ups
FK Žalgiris:
Olses; Abiam, Dumancic, Setkus, Youla; Hadji, Salcinovic, Ofori, Bicka; Antal, Chol
Ħamrun Spartans:
Bonello, Compri, Polito, Emerson,Camenzuli, Simkus, Garcia, Candenovic, Hadzi, Mbong, Koffi.
Betting Odds (via Meridianbet.com)
- FK Žalgiris win: 1.80
- Draw: 3.06
- Ħamrun Spartans win: 4.16
Odds are subject to change. 18+ only. Play responsibly.
What to expect
Since the Lithuanian season is already underway, Žalgiris may be sharper in terms of fitness and tactics. But Ħamrun are no pushovers – they have European experience and have added more firepower to their squad.
Žalgiris are favourites at home, but the Spartans will try to keep things tight, defend well, and hit on the counter. A strong result here could set up an exciting second leg in Malta.
Prediction
Over 2.5 Goals & Both Teams to Score: 3.25
Ħamrun could make things difficult for Žalgiris and might even grab a goal. They may fall short on the night, but an away goal would give them a real chance in the second leg.
