A late goal by Valletta's new signing Yuri Messias keeps the local champions with a slight chance of qualification. Valletta yesterday suffered a 3-1 defeat in Budapest against mighty Ferencvaros.

Valletta were dominated for long stretches, but the late goal scored by the Brazilian striker will make the return tie in Ta Qali next week an interesting affair.

Ferencvaros built a two-goal lead in the first half with the first goal being attributed as an own goal by Valletta's goalkeeper Henry Bonello from a corner action after 19 minutes of play and the second one on 36 minutes thanks Davide Lanzafame from the penalty spot.

On the resumption Ferencvaros continued to attack and scored a third on the hour thanks to Davide Lanzafame, who scored his second of the match after receiving from Oleksandr Zubkov.

Five minutes from time Valletta scored an important goal through Yuri Messias who had come on as a substitute in the second half.

In stoppage time Valletta were reduced to ten men when defender Steve Borg received the marching orders.