Maccabi Haifa scored to goals in the second half to beat Hamrun Spartans 2-1 and qualify with a 6-1 aggregate.

Maccabi will now advance in the UEFA Champions League second round, with the Spartans continuing their european adventure in the Europa Conference Leaguee they will either meet Astana or Dinamo Tbilisi.

Hoever the Spartans can be more than pleased with their performance yesterday in Israel, against a very experienced and superior side.

Obviously all the damage was inflicted in the first leg at Ta’ Qali were the Spartans suffered a heavy defeat, a defeat which materialised after a very positive start from the local champions.

Surely this double fixture against Maccabi showed that the way towards a eurpean group qualification is rather hard and much more work and experience has to be done.

The match had a quite start with both sides controlling in midfield and with the Spartans creating the first danger when Ryan Camenzuli floated an interesting cross towards Jonny in the heart of the Maccabi area, but the Hamrun striker failed to connect.

Five minutes later a good opportunity for Maccabi with Rafaelov’s low drive well served by Italian goalkeeper Marchetti.

On 20 minutes a Duranovic freekick was punched away in style by Maccabi goalkeeper Nitzan.

On 31 minutes Hamrun Sportans broke the deadlock when Jonny kept the Maccabi defence under pressure forcing

Jaber to a short cross towards the goalkeeper and Joseph Mbong nipped and slotted the ball home.

Maccabi’s reaction was an immediate one and they almost obtained an immediate equaliser when the Hamrun defence was caught napping and Sabia’s effort was cleared off the goal line with Marchetti beaten.

In the second half Maccabi were more aggressive and determined to at least save the match, even though the qualification was never at risk.

Four minutes into the second half and the Hamrun defence committed another blatant mistake with Shuranov pouncing on a poor backpass, dribbled past goalkeeper Marchetti but captain Steve Borg saved the day for his side clearing the ball off the goal line.

After a rather difficult start to the second half, hamrun managed to absorb the pressure and looked in control of the match, protecting Mbong’s lead.

On 67 minutes VAR saved the Spartans when the referee had awarded Maccabi a penalty for a handling infringement, but this decision was overturned.

However the equaliser was in the air and came on 68 minutes when Haziza passed towards Shuranov to drill home for a well taken goal.

Maccabi were not satisfied with the draw as they continued to press forward with the Spartans now in apparent difficulty.

Seven minutes from time Maccabi scored the winner when Haziza passed towards the unmarked Pierrot who easily slotted home the winner.

Photo: Action from the first leg of the encounter (Domenic Aquilina)