Ħamrun Spartans midfielder Domantas Simkus (centre) fights for possession against FC RFS. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
Club president Joseph Portelli elated after home win
Ħamrun Spartans took a major step towards a historic achievement after defeating Latvian champions RFS in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-offs.
The match was played under difficult circumstances, with the National Stadium pitch at the centre of controversy.
Its poor condition was deemed unacceptable for a European tie of this calibre – and, frankly, for any football match. Inevitably, the pitch heavily influenced proceedings, forcing both teams to rely on long balls in their build-ups rather than attempting fluid football.
RFS, known for their physicality and height, posed a particularly tough challenge. Captain Žiga Lipušček, standing at 1.99m, and striker Darko Lemajić, at 1.98m, epitomised their aerial strength, making life very difficult for the Spartans.
Ħamrun Spartans president Joseph Portelli is hopeful his team can fulfill his dream of making it to the League Phase of the UEFA Conference League.
Despite these odds, Italian coach Giacomo Modica kept his side disciplined and focused, with Ħamrun eventually finding a breakthrough through a fine goal by winger Saliou Thioune.
“I am very happy for what the players produced on the field,” Modica told the Times of Malta after the match.
“They showed a lot of grit, character and determination in a difficult match, made harder due to the pitch conditions. Nonetheless, we managed to find a breakthrough thanks to a great goal by Thioune, which helps us make a little step forward in this journey.”
This was not the first time this summer that Ħamrun had to face a team already in the rhythm of a domestic season. Just as against Lithuania’s FK Žalgiris in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, RFS are nearing the end of their domestic campaign, while Ħamrun only started their Premier League season last weekend.
As a result, the Spartans entered this European tie still in the midst of their pre-season physical build-up. Modica acknowledged this challenge but praised his players’ resilience.
“Obviously, the physical conditions had to be monitored from week to another, because especially upfront we had some issues throughout this campaign,” he said.
“That is why I am happy with the players, with the way they applied themselves. Obviously, there are some things to improve, especially like in the first half where we did not have a lot of openings when in possession, but overall I am very pleased.”
Looking ahead to the decisive second leg in Riga, Modica admitted the Spartans will face another uphill battle.
“Firstly, now we have a clear picture of them, the players and their playing style,” he explained.
“In addition, we will now play on another turf pitch, on which they are very used and we are not – these are small details that can make the difference.”
Meanwhile, club president Joseph Portelli could not hide his delight after the encouraging result.
“This was a big game, despite being played on a very hard and difficult pitch, which did not make it easy for us because we are used to play better football than this,” Portelli said.
“The dream that me and my team had when we came here was to take this club to Europe and hopefully we can finally achieve this goal.”
“We are so, so close, it would be a pity not to make it,” Portelli added, while thanking fans for their unwavering backing.
