Malta paid the price for missed chances.
Emilio De Leo’s side created several important opportunities in the final third but failed to convert when it mattered most.
Luxembourg’s opener, for instance, arrived just moments after Paul Mbong failed to properly connect with a well-weighted ball played across the face of goal.
Once Luxembourg took the lead, the game naturally became more difficult for Malta, who were forced to chase the match.
To make matters worse, Teddy Teuma was forced off with an injury after 37 minutes. One of Malta’s main creative outlets and a player capable of producing moments of quality was suddenly out of the game.
“I’m disappointed because I want to help the team as best as I can. I felt something in my calf, and I could not continue the match,” a slightly limping Teuma told the Times of Malta after the match.
The Standard Liège midfielder admitted that small details made the difference in a match where Luxembourg had plenty of possession but rarely looked dangerous.
In fact, Luxembourg had just one shot in the first half – off target – and their goals eventually came from their only shot on target and a direct corner late in the game. Despite enjoying 57% possession, Luxembourg produced very little in terms of clear chances.
“We’re disappointed. We created a lot of chances but didn’t score, and we know that in these kinds of games, if you don’t take your chances, you pay for your mistakes. But we still believe we can achieve something important,” Teuma said.
When asked whether Luxembourg was better, Teuma was honest in his assessment.
“They have a lot of quality in their team. On paper, they have better players, but I think we showed that we can compete with them. We have to analyse the match again, although I don’t think they created a lot of chances. I think small details made the difference.”
Teuma also acknowledged Luxembourg’s technical quality, particularly in possession, but insisted the tie is still alive.
“They are technically a better team, but we need to stay together and keep believing. It’s not finished.”
During the 37 minutes he was on the pitch, Teuma operated as a number 10 but often pressed alongside Irvin Cardona, with Malta shifting into a 4-4-2 shape out of possession. Malta alternated between a high press and a mid-block in an attempt to block central passing lanes, although this was not always successful.
Before going off injured, Teuma had already completed four passes into the opposition half, underlining how much Malta rely on his vision and creativity in the final third.
There is no doubt that his absence in Tuesday’s return match at the Luxembourg City stadium is a major blow for Malta’s aspirations to complete a famous comeback and seal an historic promotion to League C.