UEFA Champions League 2nd leg Valletta vs B36 Torshavn Published on: 05-07-2016
Coach Paul Zammit has emphasised the importance of keeping tactical shape and organisation as Valletta look to book a place in the second qualifying round of the Champions League when they face B36 Torshavn in today’s second leg (kick-off: 7pm).
The Citizens travelled to the Faroe Islands holding a slight edge over their Nordic opponents after winning last week’s opening leg at the Hibs Stadium 1-0.
Zammit knows that Federico Falcone’s goal is not enough to demoralise the Faroese champions and is warning his players that they will be in for a far more difficult test at the Gundadalur Stadium.
He expects B36 to be a completely different proposition as both sides will be looking to set up a tie against Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade in the next round.
“Having not conceded at home and carrying a one-goal lead into the second leg is very important in these qualifiers but there are 90 other minutes to play with more hard work to do to finish the job,” Zammit told Times of Malta.
“I was very pleased with how my team performed in the first leg.
“Valletta were superior for much of the match and I felt that we could have scored more than one goal. But it’s crucial to stay focused and approach the second match with the same intensity.
“No doubt, winning the first leg was an excellent starting point but I’m expecting a different match in Torshavn. B36 played the first leg with a tight defensive cover but at home they will have to adopt a more offensive approach. So, we will have to be ready.”
Zammit is not expected to make any changes from the first leg.
Ryan Camilleri is still ruled out by suspension as fellow defender Steve Borg continues with his rehabilitation programme. Borg was not included in Valletta’s travelling party to the Faroe Islands.
Zammit said the B36 Torshavn coach left out a few attacking players from his starting XI at Corra-dino last week.
“They will surely field a different team at home,” Zammit said.
“Last week, they left some of their players in attack on the bench but I’m sure they will play on Tuesday (today).
“Irrespective of what B36 Torshavn do, we need to play to our strength. Our biggest asset has always been tactical shape and discipline so we have to be perfect in that aspect in our away match.
“Added to that we have to be calm when in possession and try to keep control. In the close season we have brought in new players Santiago Malano and Leandro Aguirre and they will help us make good use of the ball.
“It’s going to be a difficult battle but we’re very confident.”
Roomer Tarajev, from the Estonia FA, will be the referee of the match.
Source - Times of Malta
Source - Times of Malta
