Ħamrun Spartans host Shakhtar Donetsk in their final home fixture of the UEFA Conference League league-phase campaign, a marquee occasion that pits the Maltese champions against a club boasting significant European pedigree, including the 2009 UEFA Cup triumph on Wednesday (kick-off: 9pm).
For Ħamrun, this match represents a valuable opportunity to measure themselves against one of the continent’s most established sides.
Sitting on three points, the Spartans are still mathematically in contention for a place in the knockout round play-offs. However, they face a daunting challenge against a Ukrainian team widely considered among the favourites to win the competition.
Shakhtar arrive in Malta in fourth place on nine points and firmly positioned to secure direct qualification to the round of 16.
The Spartans enter this tie buoyed by their historic victory over Lincoln Red Imps.
Since then, the team’s only outing was the Malta FA Jubilee Cup semi-final against Valletta almost two weeks ago, giving Giacomo Modica’s squad ample time to prepare for this decisive European test.
Coach Modica acknowledged the benefits and limitations of the extended break.
“Having ten days without matches helped us complete full training sessions and work on areas we needed to improve. We are pleased with how the sessions went,” the Italian coach said.
However, he cautioned that rest alone guarantees nothing: “Only the pitch will tell whether it was an advantage or a disadvantage, especially in terms of our performance,” Modica said.
Preparations have been tailored on the quality of the opposition.
“Shakhtar have high quality in this Conference League,” Modica noted.
“We respect them greatly, but at the same time, we must play our game. We need to be smart in reading what happens on the pitch because Shakhtar are a team with strong collective organisation and great individual talent.”
The Italian coach stressed that facing such a team offers learning opportunities, but not at the cost of self-belief.
“You learn from everyone, of course, and Shakhtar have a remarkable European pedigree. But it is important to respect ourselves for what we are achieving. In the previous four matches, we delivered strong performances – three of them were excellent,” he said.
“The Samsunspor match was very difficult, and it showed that you cannot underestimate anyone. Sometimes respecting an opponent too much becomes a disadvantage. We have shown that we are a good team capable of solid displays, and we must remain calm and humble against Shakhtar.”
Asked about Shakhtar’s strengths and weaknesses, Modica was direct: “They can dominate possession, they attack with numbers, and their possession is purposeful. They have technical players, and I really like how coach Arda Turan sets up the team,” he said.
“They are one of the top sides in the Conference League, and they have competed in the Champions League too. But since we are here, it means we are good enough to compete. What matters is that we finish the match without regrets – that is the sign of a very good performance.”
Though Shakhtar arrive after a heavy travel schedule – 15 hours following their domestic match at the weekend – Modica dismissed the notion that this would significantly affect the tie.
“They still remain Shakhtar, and it is a European match,” he remarked.
“We must not think about external factors. We have the desire to perform well against such an opponent and hope to deliver a display that makes our fans and Maltese football proud.”
The Spartans will be without Italian defender Vincenzo Polito, who is serving a one-match suspension following his red card against Lincoln Red Imps.
On the other hand, Brazilian defender Eder will be on a tight rope as another yellow card today will see him ruled out of Ħamrun’s final match against Shamrock Rovers today week.
Meanwhile, defender Emerson Marcelina addressed rumours about his own situation earlier in the season.
“Before the season, I did not want to leave,” he clarified. “It is normal for players to feel frustrated sometimes, but that does not mean I wanted to go.”
His comments come after reports had suggested dissatisfaction with Modica’s training methods during pre-season.
Assessing Shakhtar, Marcelina highlighted the technical levels within the Ukrainian squad.
“They are a very good team. I know some of their players from Brazil – Pedrinho (Shakthar’s forward) told me that they want to win the Conference League. They have real quality,” he said.
The Brazilian defender recalled another challenging European night in his career to illustrate his mindset: “When I played for Birkirkara against West Ham, it was a similar type of match in terms of difficulty. In games like this, I try to relax.
“It is important to play in these matches. I thank God for the opportunity, and we try to bring forward the coach’s ideas. We have shown that we can compete at this level.”
Marcelina also underlined the significance of fans support at Ta’ Qali.
“The supporters are important – they push us for the entire match. The pitch at the National Stadium may not be in ideal condition, but that can even work in our favour,” he said.
Modica concluded in his own motivational note, referencing football’s unpredictability: “There are no surprises in football because Milan can lose to Cremonese and Real Madrid can lose to Celta Vigo.
“Where there is a will, there is a way. It may not happen, but if it does, we will have the chance to achieve something extraordinary on the final matchday.”
