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Cruyff turn helps Valletta prevail

Former FC Barcelona star Jordi Cruyff showed his class as Malta's Valletta FC won 3-0 against Iceland's Keflavík on Thursday with captain Gilbert Agius saying his side are "halfway to qualification".

Jordi Cruyff (No77) joins team-mates in celebrating Valletta's first goal
Jordi Cruyff (No77) joins team-mates in celebrating Valletta's first goal ©Domenic Aquilina

Former FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC midfielder Jordi Cruyff showed his class as Maltese side Valletta FC won 3-0 against Iceland's Keflavík in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League first qualifying round tie with captain Gilbert Agius saying his side are "halfway to qualification".

Attacking display
The nine-times capped Dutch international, now 35, joined the club this summer in a dual role as a midfielder and assistant to coach Ton Caanen, and he demonstrated his skills in a fine attacking performance, setting up the third goal for compatriot Geert den Ouden after strikes from Dyson Falzon and Njongo Priso had put Valletta firmly on top.

'Strong side'
Captain Agius told uefa.com: "We played a good match. Our coach went to Iceland beforehand to analyse the Icelanders, but when it mattered we showed our mettle today. I believe we are halfway to qualification. Keflavík are a very strong side, but we were prepared well and the result showed that." The winners meet Ireland's Saint Patrick's Athletic FC in the next round.