Ħamrun Spartans’ journey in the UEFA Champions League ended in disappointment after a penalty shoot-out loss to Lincoln Red Imps. Despite a 1-0 win that leveled the aggregate score, the Spartans fell short in the shoot-out.
In the 89th minute, Vitao scored to revive Ħamrun’s hopes, following a previous 1-0 defeat. However, Lincoln Red Imps converted all their penalties, while Steve Borg missed the decisive penalty for the Spartans, sealing their fate.
The match saw Lincoln reduced to ten men just four minutes in, but Ħamrun couldn’t capitalize on their dominance until Vitao’s late goal. Now, Ħamrun will compete in the UEFA Conference League against FC Ballkani.
Coach Alessandro Zinnari made two changes, bringing in Eder and Talison. Lincoln replaced the suspended Kike with Lee Casciaro, who was soon substituted after Daniel Bent’s early red card.
Despite several chances, including a disallowed goal and close attempts from Lopes and Borg, Ħamrun couldn’t score in regular time. In extra time, Letherby and Montebello had opportunities but were denied by Lincoln’s defense and the crossbar.
In the end, the penalty shoot-out saw Lincoln’s perfect execution prevail over Ħamrun’s four successful penalties, with Borg’s miss proving costly.
