FC Honka beat Valletta but UEFA Youth League tie still wide open

Valletta FC were beaten by Finnish side FC Honka Espoo 1-0 in the UEFA Youth League first round, first leg tie that was played at the Myyrmaki Stadium in Vantaa on Wednesday.

It was an historic day for the capital club who became the first Maltese team to play a match in the UEFA Youth League following UEFA’s decision to expand the competition for all countries affiliated with the European governing body of football.

Despite the defeat, however, all is not lost for the Valletta youngsters as they can still overturn the tie in the return leg that will be played in Malta on October 2.

As expected, the Finnish side dominated possession for much of the match but Valletta looked well organised in defence and managed to fend off their opponents for much of the match.

However, their hopes of coming away with a precious draw were ended by Arez Goshnaw who rifled home the winner on 71 minutes.

Still it was an encouraging performance for Valletta who will be determined to play a more aggressive game in next month’s return in a bid to set up a second-round tie against French side Auxerre.

Valletta: L. Frendo, K. Farrugia, D. Agius (88 L. Vella), L. Seychell, S. Carabott (79 L. Buhagiar), Z. Barbara (79 C. Mercieca), J. Baldacchino, J. Azzopardi, C. Micallef, K. Ewurum (88 E. Muscat), P. Ohaka (62 K. Fardell)