Thursday 29th June 2017 – Balzan conceded two late goals in a 0-2 defeat to Videoton FC at the Pancho Arena in Felcsut in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round.

New Balzan coach Marko Micovic handed three of the new signings – Milan Savic, Uros Ljubomirac and Carlos Eduardo de Fiori Mendes (Kadu) a place in the starting line-up.

As expected, Videoton held the initiative but Balzan defended well and gave no space for the hosts to manoeuvre.

In the second half Balzan came out better and started operating with dangerous counter attack.

On the 57th minute Balzan could have taken the lead with a great free-kick by Ryan Fenech which was blocked in style by goalkeeper Adam Kovacsik.

On the 72nd minute Videoton were awarded a penalty as Alfred Effiong floored Danko Lazovic inside the area. However Marko Scepovic’s effort from the penalty spot hit the crossbar with the ball being cleared into safety by the Balzan defence.

However Marko Scepovic opened the score for Videoton on the 79th minute when he received an assist from outside the area and with a diagonal shot from the left he managed to beat goalkeeper Ivan Janjusevic.

Four minutes in added time, the Hungarians doubled the score when off a cross from the right, Angel Hadzic’s close range effort was partially blocked by Ivan Janjusevic with Danko Lazovic taking the rebound and slamming the ball home from close range.

VIDEOTON : Adam Kovacsik, Andras Fejes, Danko Lazovic, Angel Hadzic, Loic Nego, Stopira, Roland Juhasz, Adam Bodi (Krisztian Geresi 63’), Jozsef Varga (Mate Patkai 54’), Marko Scepovic, Asmir Suljic.

BALZAN : Ivan Janjusevic, Ryan Fenech, Paul Fenech, Steve Bezzina, Alfred Effiong (Dylan Grima92’), Uros Ljubomirac (Alex da Paixao Alves 77’), Elkin Serrano, Cadu (Milos Lepovic 83’), Milan Slavic, Bruno, Bojan Kaljevic.

Referee: Dejan Jakimovski (MKD)
Assistant Referees: Nikola Karakolev, Kushtrim Lika (MKD)
Fourth Official: Nikola Kostencev (MKD)