Local champions Valletta FC bowed out of this season’s competition, losing 3-1 to Partizan in Belgrade yesterday. The Serbian side thus qualified on a

7-2 aggregate.

Partizan, enjoying a commanding

4-1 lead from last week’s first leg in Malta, quickly took the initiative once again yesterday and it was no surprise that they took the lead on the 10th minute through a Tomic header, who beat City goalie Krul from close in following a cross from the right.

The home side enjoyed more possession but Valletta defended well and even had some counter-attacks to their credit, though the Serbians’ defence never gave Mifsud & Co any chance to shoot at goal.

Michael Mifsud almost got an equaliser for Valletta on the 53rd minute when he broke loose in the Partizan area, only for his final effort to be blocked by a defender.

However he was on target on the hour to equalise for Valletta.

Partizan, however, took only seven minutes to regain the lead as they scored a second goal from Tomic. And six minutes later, thery added a third through Mitrovic.

Before the end, Mifsud had a shot blocked.

Valletta coach Mark Miller made use of the following players:

Krul, Azzopardi, Borg, Briffa, Gabriel, Falzon (G. Agius), Fenech, E. Agius, M. Mifsud, Barbosa, D. dos Santos (R. Fenech).