Champions League, Europa League third qualifying round draws

The draws for the third qualifying rounds of both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League were held on Friday in Nyon.

Should Birkirkara eliminate MŠK Žilina, they would be meeting the winner of the clash between PFC Litex Lovech of Bulgaria and FK Rudar Pljevlja of Montenegro. On the other hand, should they reach the next stage, Valletta would meet either FK Austria Wien or NK Široki Brijeg of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

In the UEFA Champions League, Birkirkara are leading MŠK Žilina by one goal after winning the first leg 1-0 thanks to an early goal by Nikola Vukanac. With a draw against in Žilina or suffering a narrow defeat but scoring at least a goal in next Wednesday’s game, the Stripes would reach the third qualifying round.

The first leg would be held on July 27 or 28 in Bulgaria or Montenegro while the second leg would be held on August 3 or 4 at home.

On Tuesday, Litex defeated Rudar 1-0 at home.

On the other hand, Valletta have to beat Ruch Chorzów or at least get a 2-2 draw to reach the next round. They would then host Austria Wien or Široki Brijeg on July 30 at Ta’ Qali with the second leg being held in Vienna or Široki Brijeg on August 5.

On Thursday, Austria Vienna were held in a 2-2 draw by Široki Brijeg in the first leg.