Match InformationThe Team

One Step from European History

August 28, 2025

Ħamrun Spartans are on the brink of making history—not just for themselves, but for Maltese football as a whole—as they prepare to face Latvian champions FC RFS in the second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League Play-off round this evening at LNK Sporta Parks in Riga.

Carrying a Slim but Crucial Lead

The Maltese champions hold a 1–0 aggregate advantage after a determined and tactically disciplined performance in last week’s first leg at the National Stadium. Despite challenging pitch conditions, Serigne Thioune’s decisive second-half goal, crafted through a pinpoint cross from Joseph Mbong, was enough to give Ħamrun the edge in this tightly-contested tie.

A Dream in Reach: The League Phase

Should Ħamrun manage to defend—or build upon—that lead, they would become the first Maltese club in history to reach the League Phase of a UEFA club competition, a milestone long seen as aspirational for local football. This is more than a match. It’s a defining moment for the sport on the island.

Club CEO Marcel Bonnici underscored the significance in an interview with the Times of Malta:

“This may have been the president’s biggest dream since taking over Ħamrun Spartans. Reaching the League Phase will not only be a game-changer for our club, but for Maltese football as a whole.”

Built on Vision and Resilience

What began as an ambitious vision under president Joseph Portelli six years ago has matured into a focused long-term strategy. Bonnici revealed that the key to their upward trajectory was a full structural revamp, moving from traditional committee-led management to a three-pillar model: administration, club operations, and a technical setup. These changes laid the groundwork for consistency on and off the pitch.

At the heart of this transformation is head coach Giacomo Modica, whose football philosophy—rooted in physical fitness, discipline, and a high-pressing style—has reshaped the team’s identity.

“Modica’s philosophy, influenced by Zdenek Zeman, is built on physical intensity and pushing the ball forward with the least touches possible,” said Bonnici. “It’s a style that doesn’t rely on technical brilliance, but on effort and purpose—something every Maltese team can aim to replicate.”

Tactical Focus for Tonight’s Decider

While Ħamrun have yet to secure a win away from home in this European campaign, they have demonstrated strong defensive structure and the ability to manage games under pressure. The goal is not merely to defend the aggregate lead, but to dictate the tempo and stay compact while exploiting counterattacking opportunities.

A draw or a win will be enough to see the Spartans through. A one-goal defeat would take the match to extra time and possibly penalties, while a loss by two goals or more would eliminate them.

Supporters Unite in Strada Rjali

In Malta, the Ħamrun community is coming together for this monumental occasion. Part of Strada Rjali has been transformed into a Supporters Zone, offering live coverage of the match on a big screen via TVMsport+. The event, organized in partnership with Rosso Bar, San Gejtanu Band Club, and the local council, will feature pre-match entertainment and commentary starting from 17:00.

More Than a Match

This evening’s clash in Riga is more than a sporting event—it is the culmination of years of vision, investment, and belief. A successful outcome will not only place Ħamrun Spartans on the European map but could elevate Maltese football as a whole. It opens the door to improved recruitment, increased UEFA solidarity funds for the league, and a new perception of what Maltese clubs can achieve on the continental stage.

As CEO Bonnici put it: