Astana                    5

Valletta                   1

Astana: E. Nenad, A. Rukavina, E. Postnikov, L. Simunovic, D. Shomko, M. Tomasov, I. Maewski (Y. Pertshuk 63'), Y. Lugvinenko, R. Sigurjonsson, D. Rotariu (R. Murtazayev 87'), F. Ndombe (R. Yanga 63').

Valletta: H. Bonello, J. Zerafa, J. Borg, R. Camilleri, E. Pena Beltre, R. Muscat, Packer (M. Picciolo 78'), K. Tulimieri (N. Pulis 61'), M. Fontanella, K. Nwoko (S. Dimech 61'), Y. Messias.

Referee: Vladsilav Bezborodov (Russia)

Ass.referees: Valeri Danchenko, Maksim Gavrilin

Scorers: R. Sigurjonsson 8', 57', Y. Lugvinenko 15', M. Tomasov 35', M. Fontanella 67'

Yellow cards: Y. Logvinenko

Valletta suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of Astana in the first leg of the third round of the UEFA Europa League, a result which practically dashes out Valletta's hopes of becoming the first Maltese side to advance to the play-off stages of a European competition.

Astana wnet all out for an early goal and were already two goals up after fifteen minutes play. They added two more by the hour, with Valletta managing to pull one back through Mario Fontanella half way through the second half.

But ten minutes from time Astana added a fifth to virtually book a passage to the next round. Sigurjonsson opened the score on eight minutes with Lugvinenko making two on fifteen minutes. A Tomasov header on 35 minutes gave Astana a three-goal advantage by the half way line.

Sigurjonsson scored his second goal of the match on 57 minutes and ten minutes later Mario Fontanella scored Valletta's consolation goal, but ten minutes from time substitute Yanga scored Astana's fifth and final goal.

The return leg at The Centenary Stadium is scheduled for next Thursday 15th August at 8pm, with the Citizens hoping of at least obtaining a prestigious positive result.