Hamrun Spartans vs. Dynamo Kyiv Tips and Odds – 22/07/2025

• Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
• Venue: MFA Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali, Malta
• Fixture: UEFA Champions League Qualifying – Second Round, First Leg

Preview

Get ready for a compelling European night as Hamrun Spartans welcome Dynamo Kyiv to Malta for the first leg of this UEFA Champions League qualifying tie. The hosts came through a dramatic penalty shootout in the last round against Zalgiris, highlighting their resilience and nerves under pressure. Now, the challenge ramps up as they cross swords with Ukrainian heavyweights Dynamo Kyiv, who are looking to mark their return to the competition’s main stage after a three-year absence.

Hamrun Spartans may come in as underdogs, but home advantage at the Centenary Stadium can’t be disregarded. Their recent matches show a mixed bag of performances: a win on penalties against Zalgiris to secure their spot here, but before that, their domestic form has wobbled, including recent defeats and narrow wins which indicate defensive vulnerabilities. Injuries have also hit the Spartans, with wing-back Juan Corbalan ruled out following a muscle injury, and goalkeeper Pablo Sanchez sidelined with a serious knee issue, leaving their defensive options stretched. There was also a recent suspension for Elionay, an important squad player, but he should be available for this tie after serving his ban.

Dynamo Kyiv, entering at this stage, haven’t tasted competitive defeat for several matches but did lose 1-0 in a pre-season friendly against Osijek. In league action, they’ve been difficult to beat, sitting well in the domestic standings with 7 wins, 2 draws, and 2 defeats from their last 11 games. The side boasts an impressive goal average (1.82 per game), but their defense can be tested, with both teams scoring in over half their recent matches. Dynamo will be without a handful of regulars: star veteran Andriy Yarmolenko was an injury doubt due to Achilles tendonitis, and defender Denys Popov and midfielder Volodymyr Shepelev are recovering from thigh injuries, though there’s hope some could face late fitness tests. No Dynamo players are suspended currently, but key men are one booking away from a ban.

The tie features a fascinating contrast in styles. Hamrun like to play on the break and rely on direct wingers like Merlin Hadzi (fitness still in question after a recent knock) and Saliou Thioune, the latter impressing as a super-sub in the last round. Dynamo Kyiv, underlined by their continental pedigree, deploy a 4-3-3 with the creative Mykola Shaparenko in midfield and last season’s top scorer Vladyslav Vanat leading the line. Expect Kyiv to dominate possession, but Hamrun will chase their moments on the counter.

Key Players

• Hamrun Spartans: Winning goal hero Saliou Thioune, creative midfielder Joseph Mbong, and reliable defender Steve Borg must all be at their best. Watch for goalkeeper Henry Bonello, who will need to marshal a defense missing key personnel.
• Dynamo Kyiv: Frontman Vladyslav Vanat, Ukrainian Premier League Golden Boot winner, will be the main threat. Veteran Andriy Yarmolenko, if fit, brings experience and flair. Central to their play is Mykola Shaparenko, the engine of the midfield, and defensively watch for Oleksandr Karavaev at right-back.

Prediction

Despite Hamrun’s home field and fighting spirit, the gap in European experience and depth should tell. Dynamo Kyiv’s attacking talent and squad pedigree suggest an away win is likely. Expect the Maltese champions to fight and potentially nick a goal, but Kyiv’s class in the final third gives them the edge.

Predicted Score: Hamrun Spartans 1-3 Dynamo Kyiv.

Betting Markets

Fractional odds are estimated for illustration; check the link for updated prices. Good luck!

This clash promises excitement, drama, and the full flavor of European nights—will mighty Kyiv march on, or can Malta’s Spartans conjure an upset? Get those banners and bets ready!