Maltese champions Hamrun Spartans made history on Tuesday by advancing to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League in a match that will be remembered for its dramatic 28-penalty shootout. Trailing 2-0 from the first leg against Lithuanian champions Zalgiris, the Spartans staged a remarkable comeback, scoring twice in the first half to level the tie.

The Turning Point

The match extended into extra time, where Zalgiris defender Vasilije Radenovic was sent off in the 114th minute for a second bookable offense. The real drama unfolded during the penalty shootout, which saw both teams locked at 4-4 after initial misses. The shootout went into sudden death, with both goalkeepers, Henry Bonello of Spartans and Carlos Olses of Zalgiris, scoring their penalties.

The Decisive Moment

Zalgiris midfielder Ebenezer Ofori missed the crucial spot-kick, allowing Jovan Cadenovic to score the winning penalty, securing an 11-10 victory for the Spartans. Bonello, a 36-year-old Malta international, emerged as the hero, saving two penalties, while Olses saved one and four more missed the target.

Historical Context

This shootout ranks among the most dramatic in European football history. According to Opta, it is joint second in terms of the number of penalties taken in a European competition. The record for the highest-scoring penalty shootout in European competition is held by Gzira United and Glentoran, who took 28 penalties in a Conference League qualifier in July 2023.

Next Challenge

The Spartans now face Dynamo Kyiv, the Ukrainian champions, in the next round, aiming to secure a spot in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.

Key Takeaways

• Hamrun Spartans won 11-10 in a 28-penalty shootout.
• Henry Bonello saved two crucial penalties.
• The match ranks among the longest penalty shootouts in European football history.

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