Gzira could only obtain a 1-1 draw against Andorra’s Atletic Escaldes in the Conference League yesterday at Ta’ Qali.

It was a balanced affair and the result can be considered a fair one. Gzira will now play their chances in the away match but it is not going to be easy for the Maroons

Gzira had a golden opportunity on five minutes with Maxuell making the running on the left and crossing towards Jefferson whose point blank effort was blocked by goalkeeper Ruiz. Sixty seconds later on the other end Garrido darted inside the area but was denied by a great save from Zarkov.

Zarkov came again to the rescue blocking a Lopez shot on twenty minutes. Gzira increased the pressure causing problems to the Atletic rearguard. However Atletic were rather dangerous in their fast breaks.

On 33 minutes a Muscat freekick was met by Riascos who headed slightly over the bar. Four minutes from the break Zarkov made a great save off a Lopez header.

Inside the first minute of the first half the Maroons took the lead when Maxuell served Jefferson De Assis who drilled home from close range. Atletic pushed forward after suffering this goal with Gzira retreating dangerously in their defensive shell.

On 64 minutes Atletic drew level, with a rather soft goal with the Maroons’ defence unable to clear the ball from a corner action and Lopez slotted home.