Watch: Joseph Portelli basks in pride after Spartans’ historic three points in Europe

Ħamrun Spartans president Joseph Portelli said that he was proud that his team had become the first Maltese side to score three points in the League Phase of a UEFA club competition.

On Thursday, the Spartans came from behind to beat Gibraltar side Lincoln Red Imps 3-1 at the National Stadium to secure their first points of the competition.

Goals from Mouad El Fasni, Semar Smajlagic, and Ante Coric ensured the Spartans moved on to the three points mark and are still with an outside chance of making it into the competition’s play-offs in February.

The win was not only a major boost from a sporting aspect, but was a major financial reward as the Spartans will receive another €400,000 for their win on Thursday.

But Portelli said that his greatest satisfaction was to see his team make history.

“To receive another €400,000 is a huge boost, no doubt,” he said.

“But what makes me most proud is the fact that we are the first Maltese team to win the three points in the League Phase of a UEFA club competition.”

The Spartans president admitted he was yearning to see his team show their potential in Europe.

“In our previous matches against Lausanne and Jagiellonia, I was disappointed because we created a lot of chances and failed to take any points, even though we deserved more,” Portelli told the Times of Malta.

“European football is so special and playing these kinds of matches is something we always dreamed of, and you try and make the best out of it.

“Today we knew that we had a great chance, even though I was a bit worried, as before this match Lincoln Red Imps had managed to collect four points, after a win and a draw.

“But from the outset, we showed that we were the better side and even when we found ourselves behind we managed to turn the game around.”