Local champions Valletta staged a second half rally to score twice and obtain a positive 2-2 draw in Luxembourg against F91 Dudelange in the first leg of the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

The result puts the Citizens favourites to qualify for the second qualifying round of the Champions League, when they play the second leg at Ta' Qali next week.

Dudelange who made it to the groups stages of the UEFA Europa league last season, took a two-goal lead by the half way line. Adel Bettaieb put Dudelange in front on 26 minutes and in stoppage time of the first half Dominik Stolz doubled the score.

On the resumption Valletta made a great comeback with their new signing Brazilian Packer reducing the arrears on 64 minutes scoring a great goal direct from a freekick. Darren Abdilla's side went even further and six minutes Valletta were back on level terms when Packer sent jean Borg through, and the defender made no mistake.

In the dying moments of the game a setback for the local champions as midfielder Rowen Muscat receieved a second booking and will miss the return leg next week.

Valletta: H. Bonello, J. Borg, S. Borg, M. Fontanella, S. Malano (N. Pulis 52'), R. Muscat, K. Nwoko, Packer (A. Monticelli 83'), E. Pena Beltre, K. Tulimieri (S. Dimech 62'), J. Zerafa.