Birkirkara eliminated after 2-0 defeat

UEFA-Champions-LeagueBirkirkara’s dream of reaching the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League faded away as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to NK Maribor at the Stadion Ljudski vrt in Maribor on Wednesday. The Slovenians therefore reach the next round of the competition with a 2-0 aggregate score.

The hosts managed to take the lead on 28 minutes thanks to a freekick by Goran Cvijanovič which beat goalkeeper Justin Haber.

Two minutes in the second half, Maribor sealed the issue as Mitja Viler beat the Birkirkara goalkeeper to double the score, concluding a fine solo effort from the left.

In the next round, NK Maribor will face APOEL FC of Cyprus.

MARIBOR Jasmin Handanovič, Aleksander Rajčevič, Mitja Viler, Arghus Soares Boradignon (71′ Nejc Potokar), Željko Filipovič, Martin Milec, Dejan Mezga (21′ Damjan Bohar), Agim Ibraimi, Goran Cvijanovič, Marcos Morales Tavares, Nusmir Fajić (86′ Jean Philippe Mendy).
B’KARA Justin Haber, Nikola Vukanac (79′ Jonathan Maciel), Alejandro Mendoza Corujo, Gareth Sciberras, Paul Fenech, Ryan Camenzuli (46′ Demba Toure), Zach Muscat, Rowen Muscat (89′ Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza), Edward Herrera, Shola Shodiya, Frank Temile.
Referee: Andris Treimanis (LVA)
Assistant referees: Haralds Gudermanis (LVA), Aleksejs Spasjonnikovs (LVA)
Fourth official: Vadims Direktorenko (LVA)