On the eve of the confrontation between Kyiv’s Dynamo and Hamrun Spartans in the 2nd qualifying round of the Champions League, Maltese fans realize that the Ukrainian team is on a completely different level than “Zalgiris”, but also mention that Ukrainian football as a whole, and the Kyiv club in particular, are going through tough times.
“Hamrun Spartans” is an unassuming team with modest possibilities, but they have already managed to surprise everyone in the first qualifying round of the league, so their fans believe that this season their team can perform a miracle and try to beat “Dynamo.” And in the third round, they will face an opponent that is not so terrifying, even less so (according to the Maltese) than “Dynamo.”
Attard: Yes, they are technically better. But motivation and character can change the course of the game. If we play smartly in defense and seize the moment — why not aim for a draw or even a victory.
Hili: The main thing is not to miss our chance at home. It will be tough away, but at home — we are strong. Especially since the Ukrainians won’t have the home advantage, as they will still be playing in Poland.
Muscat: Too many people write us off and think that “Dynamo” is already in the next round. This will make a potential victory even sweeter. We didn’t give up even after losing to “Zalgiris” 0:2. Why should we give up now without a fight?
Agius: We just need to go out and play our football. No panic. Just like we did in the last match. They are people too, not machines. Our coach knows how to build a game against strong opponents. I believe in him and our team.
Flores: History loves surprises. Let this match be one of them. Motivation can turn the game even against such a strong opponent. And our guys are as motivated as ever.
Mifsud: They think they will easily get past us. But this is already their first mistake. Malta is not a football power, especially compared to Ukraine. But the Spartans have already proven: heart is greater than geography.
Farrugia: This will be the match of a lifetime. For every player and fan of ours. Our stadium will see the stars of Ukrainian football. And we will show them that we have talented footballers too.
Spiteri: On this day, we will be one people. A people that believes in miracles and in victory. “Dynamo” Kyiv is a symbol of Eastern Europe. But we want to become a symbol of Malta.
Magri: If we win — it will be a national holiday in the country. If we lose — there will still be pride for our team. Let the children of Malta remember this day. So they can continue to dream.
Sammut: We are a team that no one talked about not long ago and that no one knew about. Soon everyone will be talking. Let “Dynamo” know: they won’t just stroll through. This will be a battle!
Caruana: If we beat “Dynamo”, I demand to erect a monument to our team right at the stadium. It will definitely be the biggest sensation in the second qualifying round of the Champions League!
Roderick: Let “Dynamo” think that Malta is just a resort for tourists and that everyone here only thinks about relaxing. We will show them that we can also play football quite well.
Dimech: “Dynamo” has more trophies than we have fans in the stadium. This is a club with a great history. And a history of great victories. But right now this team is going through tough times, so we will definitely have a chance to advance. The main thing is to capitalize on it.
Frendo: It is an honor to play against a club with such a history. But we did not come to admire the opponent, but to fight and battle for our dream. Who knows, perhaps history will be rewritten, and we will become winners again.
Pintley: Once, “Dynamo” beat “Barcelona” in the Champions League and was considered one of the best teams in this tournament. Today, Ukrainians have fallen to the point of playing against “Hamrun” in the early qualifying rounds. How the world changes!
Camilleri: I don’t follow Ukrainian football, but I see from the results how it has weakened. Why shouldn’t we take advantage of the moment? Let them be the ones who are afraid, not us. We have nothing to lose in case of defeat, while they will become a laughingstock in their country.
Warren: The main thing is to play with a cool head and a warm heart. And let “Dynamo” prepare for a fiery evening in Malta. When you’re from a small country, you have nothing to fear. We have already done the impossible — and now we move on.
Azzopardi: The first victory in the Champions League is like the first step on the moon. And now — a meeting with a giant. This is a dream. This is history. Even if we lose, we have already entered the history of Maltese football.
Cassar: We have come this far not to give up. Even against “Dynamo.” Ukrainian football is going through tough times, including the Kyiv club. Perhaps this is our chance to beat “Dynamo.”
Simler: The Ukrainians already think that they will beat us and advance. “Zalgiris” thought the same, especially after the first match. We will be underdogs, but in modern football, underdogs are increasingly beating favorites. I would also like to unpleasantly surprise “Dynamo.”
Dmitry Malyanov
