Second Qualifying Round Round Up

Birkirkara Stun Slovakian Champions

It took just one minute for Maltese minows Birkirkara to score and stun their Slovakian counterparts in this Second Qualifying Round tie. Nikola Vukanac put the Maltese Champions in the lead in the opening seconds and Zilina had no response. The result was seen as a historical result for the minows, but the work is far from done as they still face a tough prospect in Slovakia. Birkirkara who qualified from the first qualifying round could hardly believe their luck after their first leg tie with Andorran champions Santa Coloma in the First Qualifying Round was forfeited in their favour due to poor pitch conditions. The Maltese side were awarded a 3-0 win by UEFA, and their European adventure looks to be a memorable one.

Linfield Hold Norwegian Giants In Belfast

Another shock result in this round came in Belfast as Northern Irish Champions, Linfield secured an impressive 0-0 draw against Norwegian stalwarts Rosenborg BK. The Norwegian giants will still be favourites to progress as they have home advantage in the second leg, but whatever happens in Norway, this can be seen as a fantastic result for the Northern Irish champions.

Big Boys Make Light Work of minows

Sparta Praha recorded a routine and emphatic 3-0 away win over Metalurgs, as they aim to reach the group stage after several years absent from the promised land. Kadlec put the Czech giants in the lead on 37 minutes and Wilfried added to the tally with a brace on the 51st and 58th minute.

Salzburg, who will be desperate to reach the group phase this season started their Qualifying campaign quite well. They went on to hammer HB Torshavn 5-0 and look certain to progress. Zarate put the Austrian champions in front on 21 minutes and the goals rolled in afterwards with Jantscher on 43 minutes, Ulmer on 46 minutes, Wallner on 64 minutes and Hierländer on 82 minutes.

BATE Borisov are looking to return to the big time this season, but a 5-1 win over FH will certainly boost spirits for the Belorussian champions. Pavel Nekhaychik netted a hat trick for BATE. Bressan and Rodionov added to BATE's tally. Atli Björnsson scored a constellation for the Icelandic Champions.