Tough ties await Hibs, Floriana and Birkirkara in second qualifying round of Conference League

Hibernians, Floriana and Birkirkara were all handed difficult second qualifying round ties in the UEFA Conference League as the draws of the competition were held on Wednesday.

Hibernians will start their European adventure in the second qualifying round of the Conference League as the FA Trophy winners were promoted to this stage as last year’s competition finalists Chelsea and Real Betis vacated their spot as both were assured to play in the Champions League and the Europa League when the competition ended.

The Paolites were handed a difficult start to their campaign as they were drawn to face the losers of the Europa League first qualifying round tie between Spartak Trnava, of Slovakia, and Sweden’s Hacken.

Should the Paolites end up playing Trnava, it will be the second time they faced the Slovakian side in Europe.

In the summer of 2014, the Spartak Trnava proved too strong for the Maltese side as they strolled through 9-2 on aggregate after winning both ties 5-0 and 4-2.

Floriana, who were drawn to face Welsh side Haverfordwest County in the first qualifying round, will face familiar opposition should they reach the second qualifying round.

The Greens face the prospect of facing the Montenegro side FC Ballkani.

FC Ballkani is not a new face for Maltese football, as last season they played against Ħamrun Spartans in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League.

The Montenegro side managed to progress to the third qualifying round, as after they were held to a goalless draw at home, they went on to beat the Spartans 2-0 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.

Birkirkara have been handed a tough assignment should they manage to upset Moldova side FC Petrocub.

The Stripes will take on the losers of the Europa League tie between NK Celje, of Slovenia, and FC Sabah, of Azerbaijan.

NK Celje are a particularly strong opponent, given that last season they reached the quarter-finals of the Conference League.