Valletta FC is poised for a significant return to the European stage, drawing Polish powerhouse Raków Częstochowa in the second qualifying round of the 2026/27 UEFA Conference League. This marks the Maltese club's first foray into continental competition in six years, a testament to their recent domestic achievements.
The qualification for the UEFA Conference League stems from Valletta FC's triumph in the FA Trophy. Their domestic campaign in the 2025/26 Malta Premier League saw them secure a commendable third-place finish, accumulating 22 points from 11 matches. The team's league record included six wins, four draws, and just one loss, demonstrating a solid defensive foundation with 16 goals scored and only 8 conceded.
Valletta's form leading up to May 2026 presented a mixed picture, yet highlighted their capacity for crucial victories. They secured a 2-1 victory against Gzira UnitedTeam·Gzira United in the Maltese Cup on May 23, 2026, and also defeated Hamrun SpartansTeam·Hamrun Spartans by the same scoreline in the Maltese Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League on May 2, 2026. However, they also faced setbacks, including a 0-2 loss to Hamrun SpartansTeam·Hamrun Spartans on May 15, 2026, and a 1-0 defeat against Marsaxlokk on April 26, 2026. A goalless draw against Floriana FCTeam·Floriana FC on May 9, 2026, ultimately resulted in a 1-3 penalty shootout loss.
The squad for the 2025/26 season features a blend of experience and new talent. Goalkeepers Adilson Maringá, Julani Archibald, and Liam Frendo provide options between the posts. The defensive line includes Steve Borg, Emmanuel Mbende, Sava Radić, Matthias EllulPlayer·Matthias Ellul, Neil Anthony Micallef, Shaft Brewer, Peter OhakaPlayer·Peter Ohaka, Eslam El Nasar, and Liam JamesPlayer·Liam James. In midfield, Brandon Paiber, Yannick YankamPlayer·Yannick Yankam, Jake Azzopardi, Jackson Mendoza, Rowen MuscatPlayer·Rowen Muscat, Thomas Melillo, Klose Azzopardi Conti, Zaiden Formosa, and Claude Mercieca offer depth and creativity. The attacking contingent is led by Ahmed AdebayoPlayer·Ahmed Adebayo, Andrei Ciolacu, Yuri, Andrea Zammit, Stijn MeijerPlayer·Stijn Meijer, ThaylorPlayer·Thaylor, and Diogo Tavares. Notably, Yannick YankamPlayer·Yannick Yankam and Matthias EllulPlayer·Matthias Ellul were key acquisitions ahead of the 2025/26 Malta Premier League season, bolstering the team's ranks.
The challenge against Raków Częstochowa is formidable. The Polish side is widely regarded as one of their nation's strongest clubs, having been crowned Ekstraklasa champions in 2023. The first leg of this two-legged tie is scheduled for July 23, 2026, and will be played at Raków Częstochowa's home ground, the Miejski Stadion Piłkarski Raków. The return leg will follow on July 30, 2026. Valletta FC will need to leverage their squad depth and tactical discipline to navigate this demanding European fixture and continue their journey in the competition.
Valletta players celebrate a goal during the FA Trophy final. Photo: Domenic Aquilina/IMAGO
Domenic Aquilina/IMAGOThis article was generated by AI (gemini-2.5-flash). Learn more.
