Birkirkara progress to a historic third qualifying round

Hearts started the first half on the attack looking for a goal, but Birkirkara held firm through excellent defending and fine saves from Kopric, who had an extraordinary game.

The Scottish team had an excellent opportunity to score on the 34th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Cain Attard brought down Nicholson inside the penalty area. From the spot, Buaben saw his shot being saved by Kopric.

During the second half, Birkirkara created more opportunities and managed to go ahead on the 57th minute. From a freekick, Herrera fired a shot that was blocked. The ball fell for Bubalovic who fired behind Hamilton.

Ten minutes later, Birkirkara managed to score a second goal that sealed their qualification when they broke on the counter attack, with the ball being delivered towards Edward Herrera. The Maltese striker sent a shot that went behind Hamilton to make the score 2-0.

Hearts tried to hit back, and managed to score a goal on the 75th minute when Sammon managed to beat Kopric.

Despite having to withstand heavy pressure in the dying minutes, Birkirkara held firm to gain a historic result that puts them in the third qualifying round of the Europa League.

Following this result, Birkirkara will face Krasnodar of Russia.

Hearts starting line-up: Hamilton, Paterson, Rherras, Igor Rossi, Alim Öztürk(C), Walker, Buaben, Djoum, Nicholson, Sammon, Smith.

Birkirkara starting line-up: Koprić, Herrera, Bubalovic, Sciberras (C), Emerson, Dimitrov, Plut, Bajada, J. Zerafa, Scicluna, Attard.

Yellow cards

Herrera (Birkirkara), Dimitrov (Birkirkara), Scicluna (Birkirkara), Attard (Birkirkara), Walker (Hearts).

Referee

Ville Nevalainen (FIN)