FK Žalgiris vs Ħamrun Spartans Preview

Champions League Qualification – First Round, First Leg

LFF Stadium, Vilnius

Wednesday 9 July, 18:00 (GMT +2)

Ħamrun Spartans return to the UEFA Champions League stage on Wednesday evening, kicking off their qualification campaign away to Lithuanian giants FK Žalgiris in the first leg of their First Round tie.

While both sides will be eyeing progress to the next round and a potential clash against Dynamo Kyiv, it’s a game with added significance for the Maltese champions, who are aiming to make history with a first-ever appearance in the Champions League second qualifying round.

Recent Form & Context

FK Žalgiris come into this tie as one of Lithuania’s most dominant sides in recent years, having won the A Lyga in four of the last five seasons. But their 2025 campaign has been far from smooth, with Vladimir Cheburin’s men currently sitting in sixth place, well off the pace and closer to the relegation zone than to the summit.

That said, momentum may be returning just in time for Europe. Žalgiris have picked up consecutive wins against FK Panevėžys and Banga Gargžda their first back-to-back victories this year.

Their attacking output has taken a hit in 2025 due to the absence of Romanian forward Liviu Antal, who scored 20 league goals last season but has only just returned from injury. However, centre-back Luka Dumancic, who netted the winner in their most recent league match, could be a threat on set pieces.

Žalgiris were knocked out in the second round of the Conference League last season, falling to Pafos FC after getting past VPS of Finland.

Ħamrun Spartans, meanwhile, arrive in Vilnius off the back of a domestic title-winning season in the Maltese Premier League, reclaiming the crown despite a fourth-place finish in the regular phase.

Last season’s European campaign saw them fall short in dramatic fashion going out on penalties to Lincoln Red Imps in the Champions League first round before dropping into the Conference League and falling to Ballkani of Kosovo.

Probable Lineups

FK Žalgiris:

Olses; Abiam, Dumancic, Setkus, Youla; Hadji, Salcinovic, Ofori, Bicka; Antal, Chol

Ħamrun Spartans:

Bonello; Compri, Polito, Micallef, Camenzuli; Letherby, Emerson, Djile, Hadzi; Mbong, Mihana

What the Odds Say (via Meridianbet.com)

FK Žalgiris win: 1.80

Draw: 3.06

Ħamrun Spartans win: 4.16

Odds may not directly reflect odds on website. 18+ | Play responsibly.

What to Expect

Being mid-season, Žalgiris may have a sharper edge physically and tactically heading into the tie. But Ħamrun’s quality and ambition should not be underestimated. This is a side with European experience and a renewed attacking force.

While the home side enters as favourites, the Spartans will look to remain compact, frustrate the hosts, and take their chances on the break setting up a potential upset in the return leg at home.

Our Prediction

Over 2.5 & Both Teams to Score: 3.25

The Spartans can cause problems but may come up just short in the first leg. That said, a crucial away goal would keep the tie very much alive heading back to Malta next week.

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