The UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round kicks off with a compelling first-leg showdown as Maltese champions Hamrun Spartans host their Israeli counterparts, Maccabi Tel Aviv. The tie at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali presents a significant challenge for both sides, with a place in the playoff round—and a step closer to the Europa League group stage—at stake. While Maccabi Tel Aviv enter as favorites with a deeper squad and more extensive European experience, Hamrun Spartans will be hoping to harness the energy of their home support to cause an upset.
Both teams find themselves in the Europa League after being knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers. The Spartans were convincingly defeated by Dynamo Kyiv, while Maccabi Tel Aviv suffered a narrow, disappointing loss to Pafos. This match provides a chance for redemption and a fresh start in a new European competition for both clubs, making it a high-stakes affair from the very first whistle.
Match Details
- Competition: UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round (First Leg)
- Location: Ta’ Qali, Malta
- Stadium: National Stadium
- Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 1:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM BST
- Indian Time (IST): 10:30 PM IST (Tuesday, August 5, 2025)
- Referee: Kristo Tohver (Estonia)
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Hamrun Spartans and Maccabi Tel Aviv, adding an element of the unknown to the tie. Both teams will have to rely on their recent form and scouting to prepare for this first leg.
Hamrun Spartans:
The Spartans have had a mixed start to their European campaign. While they showed resilience by overcoming a two-goal deficit against Žalgiris in the Champions League qualifiers, they were subsequently outclassed by Dynamo Kyiv. The team has shown flashes of attacking potential, but their defense has also proven to be vulnerable, a factor that a team with Maccabi’s quality could exploit. Key players for Hamrun will be forward Joseph Mbong, a consistent goal threat, and defender Ryan Camenzuli, who will be tasked with organizing the backline.
- July 29, 2025: Dynamo Kyiv 3–0 Hamrun Spartans (Champions League Qualifying)
- July 22, 2025: Hamrun Spartans 0–3 Dynamo Kyiv (Champions League Qualifying)
- July 15, 2025: Hamrun Spartans 2–0 Žalgiris (Champions League Qualifying)
- July 9, 2025: Žalgiris 2–0 Hamrun Spartans (Champions League Qualifying)
Maccabi Tel Aviv:
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s form has been somewhat inconsistent. While they have shown dominance in their domestic cup games, their recent Champions League exit to Pafos FC was a significant setback. Despite this, their squad depth and quality are considered superior to their Maltese opponents. They will be looking to their star forwards, such as Dor Turgeman and Weslley Patati, to provide the attacking firepower needed to secure a lead for the second leg. However, an ongoing goalkeeper crisis could be a point of weakness that Hamrun might try to exploit.
- July 30, 2025: Maccabi Tel Aviv 0–1 Pafos FC (Champions League Qualifying)
- July 22, 2025: Pafos FC 1–1 Maccabi Tel Aviv (Champions League Qualifying)
- July 16, 2025: Maccabi Tel Aviv 2–1 Hapoel Ironi Rishon (Club Friendly)
- July 13, 2025: Maccabi Tel Aviv 1–2 H. Beer Sheva (Super Cup)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Hamrun Spartans are likely to adopt a compact defensive strategy, aiming to frustrate Maccabi and capitalize on counter-attacks or set-pieces. With Maccabi Tel Aviv having greater possession and passing quality, the battle in midfield will be key. Hamrun’s central midfielders, like Domantas Šimkus and Ognjen Bjeličić, will need to be disciplined and disrupt the flow of the game. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s style of play, a 4-4-1-1 formation that emphasizes midfield solidity and rapid transitions, could prove effective in exploiting the open spaces on Hamrun’s flanks.
For Maccabi, a strong performance from their forwards is essential, particularly with the recent departure of key players. Their ability to create chances and their superior fitness levels will likely be a deciding factor. Hamrun, meanwhile, will need an inspired performance from their goalkeeper and defense to stay in the tie, with the hope that a moment of brilliance from a player like Joseph Mbong can make the difference.
How to Watch Hamrun Spartans vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv on TV, Live Stream
| Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
| Malta | N/A |
| Israel | N/A |
| United Kingdom | N/A |
| United States | beIN SPORTS |
| India | N/A |
In the United States, beIN SPORTS has been known to broadcast European qualifying matches. For other regions, check local sports broadcasters or streaming services, as these matches can be difficult to find on mainstream channels. It is also common for clubs to provide streams on their official websites or YouTube channels.
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
