A score which leaves Balzan as firm favourites ahead of the second leg, due to be played on the 18th of July at the Centenary Stadium, with a clash with the winner of the tie FC Vaduz (LIE) – FC Neman Grodno (BLR) in the second qualifying round at stake.
It was without doubt a memorable night for Balzan FC who arguably produced their best performances in European football as they outplayed their more-quoted opponents throughout their match.
In fact, once Aleksa Andreijic put the Maltese side ahead, there was no way back for the home side who conceded two more goals until the hour through a penalty conversion from Jake Grech and Peter Olawale.
Domzale did pull a goal back with 30 minutes to go but Balzan managed to administer their lead to take a commanding advantage for next week’s second leg.
Balzan handed a debut to four new signings as goalkeeper Danilo Golovic started in goal while Triston Caruana and Jake Grech were deployed in midfield with Peter Ukeme Olawale upfront.
On the 8th minute, Balzan took the lead. A cross sent by Angel Torres was connected with a diving header by ALEKSA ANDREJIC but his first effort was parially saved by NK Domzale goalkeeper Gasper Tratnik. From the rebound, the same player was quick to finish the ball into the net.
In the 13th minute, Aleksa Andreijic almost struck again but this time his effort was blocked by Domzale goalkeeper Tratnik.
Domzale tried to hit back with a long-range shot by Ziga Repas that was blocked in two attempts by Balzan goalkeeper Danilo Golovic.
From then on, Domzale dominated possession but they found the going tough to breach the solid Balzan defence.
However in the 31st minute it was Balzan who came close to double their lead when Jake Grech picked up a short rebound and fired a rasping volley that just missed the upright with the Domzale goalkeeper well beaten.
In the 40th minute, Balzan threatened again with another counter attack, when Angel Torres dribbled his way past a couple of defenders but his shot from the edge finished well over the crossbar.
But three minutes later Balzan were not to be denied. Triston Caruana found his way into the box and was brought down by Domzale midfielder Benjamin Markus. From the spot JAKE GRECH made no mistake to score his first goal for Balzan.
Domzale started the second half strongly and Andrej Duric unleashed a powerful drive from the edge of the area that just missed the upright.
But in the 53rd minute, it was Balzan who scored once more. From a corner kick taken by Jake Grech, PETER UKEME OLAWALE rose above everyone and sent a firm header past goalkeeper Gasper Tratnik.
In the 56th minute, Domale were handed a lifeline when Angel Torres tackled Ziga Repas inside the area, and from the penalty spot FRANKO KOVACEVIC made no mistake.
On the hour, Domzale almost scored a second but Abraham Nwanwko, with only goalkeeper Golovic to beat, incredibly headed over the crossbar.
In the 70th minute, Balzan was forced to replace Peter Ukeme Olawale, as he was injured and replaced with another new signing Manyluak Aguek.
Frustrated Domzale suffered a severe setback when substitute Zeni Husmali was shown a straight red card for kicking and head butting Balzan goalkeeper Golovic in an off-the-ball incident.
Balzan took full advantage of their numerical advantage and in stoppage time they added a fourth goal. Angel Torres dribbled past his marker and set substitute NIKOLA ZERJAL who stabbed home to seal a memorable night for Balzan.
DOMZALE : Gasper Tratnik, Mirko Mutavcic, Abraham Nnamdi Nwankwo, Andrej Duric, Jan Dapo, Benjamin Markus, Danijel Sturm (Luka Topalovic 58’), Ziga Repas, Edin Julardzija (Jost Pisek 46’) (Zeni Husmani 64’), Franko Kovacevic, Mario Krstovski (Cerne Gasper 80’).
BALZAN: Danilo Golovic, Ivan Bozovic, Samir Arab, Triston Caruana, Paul Fenech (Ryohei Michibuchi 61’), Angel Yesid Torres Quinones, Peter Ukeme Olawale (Manyluak Aguek 71’), Jake Grech, Nikola Braunovic, Momcilo Raso, Aleksa Andrejic (Nikola Zerjal 83).
Referee: Paul McLaughlin (Ireland).