Valletta’s organisation frustrates the Dutch
Valletta avoided a home defeat in their first leg of the Europa League second round qualifying match against Dutch side FC Utrecht, claiming a deserved goalless draw that leaves some hopes for the return match in a week’s time.
This was thanks mainly to Valletta’s organisational game-plan that never allowed more experienced opponents to inflict any damage. In all fairness, this was an evenly balanced encounter, although lacking real goalmouth action.
The heat and humidity might have effected the players on the pitch as the rhythm of the match remained slow for most of the 90 minutes. That played in Valletta’s favour, as the locals stayed very well-organised in defence and rarely panicked under pressur as they stifled most of their opponents’ initiative in midfield.
Utrecht might have shown competence on ball possession and offensive build-ups, but they lacked a cutting edge and Valletta keeper Bonello was only severely tested on a couple of occasions.
The Citizens also had their moments, especially in the first half, but the fact that they kept a clean sheet yesterday, is very encouraging.
Valletta reached this stage after eliminating Folgore of San Marino with two wins in the previous Round.
Yesterday, they played with five men at the back as Gil joined Steve Borg and Ryan Camilleri at the centre of defence. Joseph Zerafa and Uchenna were the wide backs. Romao and Michael Mifsud played wide on Valletta’s flanks, with Pani and Malano in midfield, supporting lone striker Velasco.
Utrecht entered this season’s competition having won the Europa League play-off in the Dutch championship. Coach Erik ten Hag played with a 3-5-2 formation, with Gyrano Kerk and new recruit, the Dane Simon Makienok, their attacking duo. Their two Moroccans Zakaria Labyad and Yassine Ayoub were responsible for the side’s creativity and organisation in midfield.
Utrecht, cheered by a good number of Dutch fans who travelled to Malta, created the first chance within the opening four minutes. Makienok sent a cross from the right. Labyad’s effort was blocked.
Valletta’s response came short of the quarter hour. Romao played the ball inside the Utrecht area, Velasco reached for it but could not hit it with enough power and keeper Jensen somehow fumbled his effort.
For all their huffing and puffing, the vistors rarely threatened, until, on the half hour, Van De Streek’s drive forced the Valletta keeper to stretch himself and hold out the ball.
Valletta also had another chance shortly before the break. A Romao low shot from outside the area was turned into a corner by Dutch keeper Jensen, who looked far from convincing with his handling.
Utrecht tried to be more aggressive at the start of the second half. A Klaiber shot was footed out by keeper Bonello. However they failed to up the tempo.
On 68 minutes, Valletta introduced Kyrian Nwoko for Romao. That changed practically little tactically but when four minutes later, Jean Borg went in for Velasco, Nwoko moved as central striker.
As the minutes ticked away and Utrecht could not find a way past the Valletta defence, frustration started to creep in. Play was often interrupted with several niggling fouls and the referee was kept busy with his exhibition of yellow cards.
Even the late introduction of Emanuelson failed to give Utrecht the required impetus as the game remained goalless.