Žalgiris vs Hamrun prediction, H2H and probable lineups — July 9, 2025
On Wednesday, July 9, in the first round of the Champions League qualifiers, Žalgiris will host Hamrun Spartans at home. The match kicks off at 19:00 Central European Time. Here’s my pick for the outcome of this encounter.
Interesting facts and head-to-head history
- Žalgiris’ best ever result in the Champions League is reaching the third qualifying round.
- Žalgiris have won just 3 of their last 10 matches.
- Hamrun have never made it past the second qualifying round of the Champions League.
- Žalgiris have never faced a club from Malta before.
- Hamrun are taking on Lithuanian opposition for the first time in their history.
Match preview
Žalgiris are the most decorated club in Lithuanian football history. In 2024, they clinched their 11th A Lyga title, finishing 12 points clear of their closest rivals, Hegelmann. Over the past five years, Žalgiris have been crowned Lithuanian champions four times, with Panevėžys interrupting their dominance only once.
However, in 2025, Žalgiris aren’t in the running for the Lithuanian championship. In fact, their place in European competitions next season is in serious doubt. After 19 rounds, the Green-and-Whites sit only sixth in the table with 25 points, trailing the top three by six points. Still, they’ve won their last two matches—1-0 against Banga and 4-2 over Panevėžys—which could signal a turnaround.
Hamrun Spartans represent modest Malta, whose clubs have never reached the main stage of any European tournament. Still, football is gradually developing in the country, and local teams are bringing in more and more foreign players, mainly from Africa.
Last season, Hamrun clinched their tenth Maltese championship, and for the first time this century, they managed to defend their title. After the regular season, the Maltese league held playoffs, where Hamrun edged out Birkirkara 1-0 in the final.
Probable lineups
- Žalgiris: Olses – Mutashi, Tavares, Bazila, Šetkus – Hadji, Jarusevičius, Kendysh, Ofori, Verbickas – Devens
- Hamrun Spartans: Bonello – Marcelina, Camenzuli, Prša, Barbosa, Freitas da Silva, Čadjenović, Mihana – Mbong, Lopes Silva, Bjeličić
Žalgiris vs Hamrun prediction
Žalgiris may be the favorites on paper, but the squad is in dreadful form at the moment, while Hamrun are the best team in Malta for the second year running. My bet is on the visitors not to lose this match.
