Birkirkara FC take on Ulisses FC

by Ayrton Galea - 2nd July 2015

Birkirkara FC will be seeking to obtain a positive result in the first leg of the First Qualifying Round of the UEFA Europa League this evening, when they take on the Armenian side, Ulisses FC.

The last weeks have been enthusiastic ones for the Stripes who secured the services of three new players namely Plut, Murga and Miccoli with the latter rated as one of the biggest signings in Maltese Football. All three players are in line to make their debut in today's match.

The new signings are not the only reason for Birkirkara's optimism, as they have also managed to renew the contract of six players who form part of the Maltese National Team, and also renewed Vukanac's contract, rated as one of the best defenders on the island.

After finishing third place in the BOV Premier League and ending the season on a high by winning the FA Trophy, the Stripes secured a place in the first Qualifying Round of the Europa League, and thanks to their co-efficient, they were one of the Maltese sides to be seeded for the draw.

The draw against a club from Armenia might put the Stripes as favourites, after the Maltese National Team defeated Armenia in the last encounter away from home. However, football at club level has little to do with football at national level, and the match will be anything but plain-sailing, as Ulisses have improved drastically in these recent years.

Ulisses ended their league in the second position and they will be all out to register their first positive result in their history of European competitions. The Armenians are also yet to score their first goal, after they have failed to do so in the six European matches they have participated in so far.

While the Stripes will be boosted with the availability of their new signings, Coach Giovanni Tedesco has to do without Rafael Ledesma, Ryan Scicluna and Shola Shodiya who are all injured. Edward Herrera is also unavailable for this match.

The match officials for this match will be from Israel with Erez Papir appointed as the match's referee, helped by his assistants Nissan Davidy and Dvir Shimon. The match's fourth official will be Liran Wachsberger.

Birkirkara FC would like to appeal to all its supporters to encourage the team, while showing respect to their opponents. Matches like today's should be a showcase of tolerance and friendship. Racism has no place anywhere, but especially not in football. Use of pyrotechnics, flares, or gasses or any such material are strictly prohibited by UEFA, and any abuse will result in heavy fines, and possibly other sanctions against the Club.

The match will be played at the Hibernians Stadium and it is scheduled to kick off at 20:45. Ticket booths will open at the stadium at 19:30. Free Transport for the match is available from the Infetti Training Centre, Valley Road and next to the Klikk Computer Store in Birkirkara, departing at 19:00.

Come on the Stripes!

comments powered by Disqus