Birkirkara FC need a miracle this evening to advance to the second qualifying round when they face Albania’s Vllaznia in Shkoder in the second leg of their tie.

Having lost last week’s home match 1-0 after suffering an early second minute goal, Patrick Curmi’s boys need to register a victory to reverse the deficit. Any victory by two goals will suffice, but even a 1-2 or 2-3 win etc, will be enough to see them through on the away goals rule.

However, it is not going to be easy. Far from it. In last week’s clash, the Stripes dictated play for most of the time after suffering that early goal, but failed to penetrate a strong Vllaznia defence.

In fact, they were only limited to a few shots from the distance, especially in the second half. On that day, Curmi’s boys played the possession game quite well, but it served for nothing. Had they played more direct football, they could have reaped better dividends.

The Stripes showed that they lack top class strikers so far and that is why they are finding it difficult to score the goals that matter.

Curmi has now recovered Brazilian striker Silva after the latter only made an appearance 15 minutes from the end due to an injury suffered on the eve of that match.

The match is being played at the Loro Borici Stadium and kicks off at 7pm.