Raków Częstochowa 3-1 Valletta: Emreli debut goal and Makuch redemption after penalty miss in Conference League qualifier

Valletta's early shock

Raków Częstochowa began their European campaign under new coach Dawid Kroczek as overwhelming favourites against Maltese cup winners Valletta FC. The Polish side dominated possession from the start but struggled to break down a compact defence. Valletta created the first real danger in the 19th minute when Jake Azzopardi's shot was parried by goalkeeper Kacper Trelowski, and Andrea Zammit's rebound was also saved. Four minutes later, the visitors took a shock lead. Thaylor Aldama found space on the right wing and delivered a cross to the far post, where Argentine left-back Manuel Morello, completely unmarked, volleyed past Trelowski to score on his Valletta debut. Raków pushed for an equaliser before the interval, with new signings Adin Molnar and Mahir Emreli both going close, but Valletta's defence held firm.

Emreli levels on debut

Kroczek sent on Tomasz Pieńko at half-time, and the hosts emerged with greater intensity. The equaliser arrived in the 53rd minute after a cross from Władysław Kochergin caused panic in the Valletta box. Goalkeeper Adilson Maringa made two superb reflex saves to deny Michael Ameyaw and Pieńko, but the ball fell to Emreli. The Azerbaijani international kept his composure, shifted the ball onto his left foot and slotted home to make it 1-1 on his debut. Moments later, Jean Carlos squandered a clear chance to put Raków ahead, firing over from ten metres.

Penalty miss turns the tide

Valletta were handed a golden opportunity to regain the lead in the 71st minute. Turkish referee pointed to the spot after Patryk Makuch was judged to have handled the ball inside the area. Makuch protested but the decision stood. Petar Sekulović, who had come on as a substitute in the 61st minute, stepped up to take the penalty but blasted his effort high over the crossbar, missing the target entirely.

Raków now needs a big intervention from its young goalkeeper.

The miss proved the turning point. Makuch, who had conceded the penalty, would soon make amends.

Makuch and Svarnas seal the win

Seven minutes after the penalty miss, Makuch collected a pass from Pieńko on the edge of the area and drilled a low shot past Maringa to give Raków a 2-1 lead. In the 90th minute, Makuch turned provider, crossing for Greek defender Stratos Svarnas to head home the third goal. The 3-1 victory gave Raków a two-goal cushion ahead of the return leg. Late in the match, Kroczek handed debuts to Jakub Jendryka and Adam Basse.

What's next

The second leg will be played in Valletta on Thursday, 30 July at 19:30 local time. Raków will be without striker Jonatan Braut Brunes, who is set to join Sparta Prague for a reported €6 million plus bonuses. Kroczek's side will aim to protect their lead and secure a place in the next qualifying round.