UEFA Competitions

Season 1997-1998: UEFA Cup Winner's Cup – vs. Spartak Trnava FC

The wait was finally over as Birkirkara were set to play European competitive football. In the 1997-1998 season, Birkirkara FC were drawn against Spartak Trnava of Slovakia.

Birkirkara made their UEFA debut on the 22 July 1997 when in the first leg played at the National Stadium, they suffered a 1-0 defeat. On the other hand, in the second leg played in Slovakia, a big number of supporters travelled to watch their first UEFA away-match ever, where Spartak Trnava won the match with a 3-1 score and advanced to the next round with a 4-1 aggregate score.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 1-4 Spartak Trnava FC

Season 1998-1999: UEFA Cup Winner's Cup – vs. Shakhtar Donetsk FC

After ending in the second place in the dramatic 1997-1998 season, where Birkirkara lost the title in the last match of the league, they earned a place in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup for the second consecutive time and they were drawn against the Ukranian side, FC Shakhtar Donetsk.

Birkirkara produced a very-fine display in the first leg which was played in Ukraine on the 22 July 1998. However, their effort wasn't enough as the Ukranian side emerged as winners with a 2-1 score. In the second leg, which was played at home, FC Shaktar Donestk showed total superiority to clinch a 4-0 victory and advance with a comfortable 6-1 aggregate score.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 1-6 Shakhtar Donetsk FC

Season 1999-2000: UEFA Cup – vs. Lyngby BK

For the third consecutive time, Birkirkara FC placed in the second place and earned the spot to take part in the UEFA Cup, who had now its name changed. Birkirkara were drawn against the Danish side, Lyngby BK.

Birkirkara had a terrible start in their European commitments when in the away-leg they suffered the Club's biggest defeat in European competitions of a 7-0 score. Following this defeat, Mr. Vlado Pejovic was sacked and Mr. Atnas Marinov was appointed as the Club's Head Coach.

Mr. Marinov had a positive start as in the second-leg match played at the National Stadium, Birkirkara achieved a respectable goal-less draw to register the first draw in European Competitions.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 0-7 Lyngby BK

Season 2000-2001: UEFA Champions League – vs. KR Reykjavík

Winning the first ever memorable Premier League title in the 1999-2000 season meant that Birkirkara FC earned a place for the first time in the Club's history in the UEFA Champions League where they drawn against KR Reykjavík from Iceland.

Birkirkara suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat in the first leg match played at the National Stadium on the 2 July 2000. On the other hand, in the away-match, KR Reykjavik showed superiority and picked-up a 4-1 victory to advance with a comfortable 6-2 aggregate score.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 2-6 KR Reykjavík

Season 2001-2002: UEFA Cup – vs. Lokomotivi Tbilisi FC

The 2001-2002 season was a memorable one, not in terms of silverware but for the historic moment when Birkirkara FC qualified for the second round of UEFA Cup for the first time ever.

Birkirkara were drawn to face FC Lokomotivi Tbilisi of Georgia and Birkirkara achieved a positive result in the first leg which was played in Georgia when they shared the spoils in a goal-less draw.

In the away leg, the Stripes produced a brilliant performance to hold Lokomotivi Tbilise in an away 1-1 draw which earned them the qualification for the next round thanks to the away-goal rule.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 1-1 Lokomotivi Tbilisi FC

Season 2001-2002: UEFA Cup – vs. Dinamo Moscow FC

Following the historic qualification for the second round, Birkirkara were drawn against the Russian strong side, Dynamo Moscow.

Birkirkara continued to leave a very good impression with their performances as it was only an early goal that condemned them for a narrow 1-0 defeat in the first leg which was played in Russia. In the second leg, Birkirkara gave another excellent display but the Russian side hold strong for a goal-less draw to advance with a narrow 1-0 aggregate score.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 0-1 Dinamo Moscow FC

Season 2002-2003: UEFA Cup – vs. FK Metalurg Zaporizhya

After placing second in the Premier League and winning the FA Trophy for the first time ever, Birkirkara earned a place in the UEFA Cup and they were drawn against the Ukrainian side, Metalurh Zaporizhzhya FC.

The Ukrainians made their qualification to the next round almost certain in the home leg when they defeated Birkirkara with a 3-0 score. In the home leg, Birkirkara produced an improved display but the match ended in a goal-less draw with Metalurh advancing thanks to a 3-0 aggregate score.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 0-3 FK Metalurg Zaporizhya

Season 2003-2004: UEFA Cup – vs. Ferencvaros FC

Birkirkara once again placed second in the Premier League and won the FA Trophy to earn the place in the UEFA Cup and in the first qualifying round, they were drawn against the Hungarian strong side, Ferencvárosi TC.

The Stripes gave a very positive performance in the first leg which was played in Hungary despite losing with a 1-0 score. However, in the second leg played at the National Stadium, Ferenvaros showed total superiority and emerged as winners with a 5-0 score to advance with a 6-0 aggregate score.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 0-6 Ferencvaros FC

Season 2004-2005: UEFA Cup – vs. FK Partizani

Season 2004-2005 was another memorable one when it comes to European competitions as Birkirkara FC registered their first win ever in the UEFA Cup, after they were drawn against the Albanian side, KF Partizani.

Birkirkara kicked off their commitments with a 4-2 defeat in Albania, but they registered a historic 2-1 victory over Partizani in the first leg which was played at the National Stadium on the 29 July. This win wasn't enough as Partizani qualified with a 5-4 aggregate score.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 4-5 FK Partizani

Season 2005-2006: UEFA Cup – vs. Apoel FC

For the fifth straight time, Birkirkara took part in the UEFA Cup in the 2005-2006 season after had finished in the second place in the Premier League and won their third FA Trophy.

Birkirkara were drawn against the Cypriot strong Club, Apoel FC. In the first leg which was played at the National Stadium, Birkirkara's fine performance wasn't enough to nuetralise the strength of the Cypriot Club as they registered a 2-0 victory.

On the other hand, in the second leg, Apeol had total control and defeated Birkirkara with a 4-0 score. Birkirkara were eliminated with an aggregate of a 6-0 score.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 0-6 Apoel FC

Season 2006-2007: UEFA Champions League – vs. B36 Torshavn FC

After winning the Premier League title in the 2005-2006 season, they secured a UEFA Champions League place and they were drawn against B36 Torshavn of Faroe Islands.

Pre-match predictions put Birkirkara in the driving seat, but in the first leg played at the National Stadium it was proved otherwise as B36 Torshavn registered a fine 3-0 victory to almost secure their place in the next round. In the second leg, Birkirkara improved their performance and held B36 Torshavn in a 2-2 draw with the latter advancing with a 5-2 aggregate score.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 2-5 B36 Torshavn FC

Season 2007-2008: UEFA Intertoto Cup – vs. NK Maribor

Following a disappointing 2006-2007, Birkirkara took part in the UEFA Intertoto Cup in the 2007-2008 for the first and only time in their history.

Birkirkara were drawn against the Slovenian side, NK Maribor. The Slovenian side went in the driving seat after the first leg played at the Hibernians Stadium when they registered a fine 3-0 victory. In the second leg, NK Maribor registered a narrow 2-1 victory to advance to the next round with a 5-1 aggregate.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 1-5 NK Maribor

Season 2008-2009: UEFA Cup – vs. Hajduk Split FC

After winning their fourth FA Trophy in the 2007-2008 season, Birkirkara booked their place in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Cup. Birkirkara were drawn against one of the strongest Croatians sides, HNK Hajduk Split.

Hajduk Split proved to be too strong for Birkirkara. They registered a comfortable 4-0 victory in the first leg played in Croatia. In the second leg, Birkirkara gave a satisfactory performance but it wasn't enough as Hajduk Split registered a 3-0 victory to advance to the next round with a 7-0 aggregate.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 0-7 Hajduk Split FC

Season 2009-2010: UEFA Europa League – vs. Slaven Belupo FC

In the 2009-2010 season, Birkirkara FC faced another Croatian opponent, Slaven Belup FC in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League, which was the amalgamation of the UEFA Cup and the Intertoto Cup.

An early goal in the first leg played in Croatia condemned Birkirkara to a narrow 1-0 defeat. In the second leg, Birkirkara pushed hard for the goal but the Croatians kept a goal-less draw to advance with a narrow 1-0 aggregate.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 0-1 Slaven Belupo FC

Season 2010-2011: UEFA Champions League – vs. Santa Coloma FC

Birkirkara reached another milestone in their history in the 2010-2011 UEFA Champions League when they managed to advance for the second qualifying round.

Birkirkara were drawn against Santa Coloma of Andorra. Birkirkara were awarded a 3-0 walk-over victory after the match that was scheduled to be played in Andorra was cancelled due to the terrible sate of the pitch. In the second leg which was played at the Centenary Stadium, Birkirkara registered their first every victory in the UEFA Champions League by beating Santa Coloma with a 4-3 score.

Following these two victories, Birkirkara booked their place to the next round with a comfortable 7-3 aggregate.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 7-3 Santa Coloma FC

Season 2010-2011: UEFA Champions League – vs. MSK Zilina FC

The 2010-2011 UEFA Champions League continued to be a memorable one, as Birkirkara were the first Maltese team to register the first victory in the second qualifying round.

Birkirkara were drawn against the Slovakian Champions, MSK Zilina. In the first leg, Birkirkara wrote history by winning a match in the second qualifying round as an early goal handled Birkirkara a narrow 1-0 victory. However, in the second leg, Zilina picked up a 3-0 victory to advance with a 3-1 aggregate.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 1-3 MSK Zilina FC

Season 2011-2012: UEFA Europa League – vs. FK Vllaznia

Birkirkara earned a spot in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League in the 2011-2012 season and they were drawn against the Albanian side, FK Vllaznia.

An early goal condemned Birkirkara to a narrow 1-0 defeat in the home leg played at the Hibernians Stadium. In the second leg, Birkirkara gave an improved performance but only managed to hold FK Vllaznia in 1-1 away draw, with the latter advancing to the next round with a narrow 2-1 aggregate.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 1-2 FK Vllaznia

Season 2012-2013: UEFA Europa League – vs. FK Metalurg Skopje

In the 2012-2013 season, Birkirkara finished in the third place and once again, they earned their spot in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League and they were drawn against Metalurg Skopje FC of Macedonia.

In an entertaining first leg played at the Hibernians Stadium, Birkirkara came from behind twice to keep their hopes alive as the match ended in a 2-2 draw. In the second leg, Birkirkara had an edge over their opponents but the Macedonian side kept a goal-less draw to advantage to the next round thanks to the away-goal rule following a 2-2 aggregate score.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 2-2 FK Metalurg Skopje

Season 2013-2014: UEFA Champions League – vs. NK Maribor

Having won the 2012-2013 BOV Premier League, Birkirkara FC earned the right to participate in the UEFA Champions League and they began their commitments in the Second Qualifying round of the competition.

The Stripes were drawn against the Slovenian side, NK Maribor, for the second time in history after meeting in the 2005-2006 UEFA Intertoto Cup. An excellent performance in the first leg played at the National Stadium was not enough to win the game as despite hitting twice the post, the match ended in a goal-less draw.

In the second leg played in Slovenia, Maribor were superior to Birkirkara and won the match with a 2-0 score to advance to the next round with a narrow 2-0 aggregate.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 0-2 NK Maribor

Season 2014-2015: UEFA Europa League – vs. Diosgyőri VTK

Having placed second in the 2013-2014 BOV Premier League, Birkirkara participated in the UEFA Europa League for the third time since the competition was renamed.

Despite Birkirkara being seeded, they drew against the strong Hungarian side, Diosgyor VTK in the first qualifying round. In the away leg, the Stripes gave an excellent performance, even though they had a player sent off at the start of the second half. However a goal three minutes in added time gave Diosgyor a narrow 2-1 victory.

In the home leg, which was played at the National Stadium, the Hungarian side showed total superiority to emerge as winners with a 4-1 score and a final 6-2 aggregate result.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 2-6 Diosgyőri VTK

Season 2015-2016: UEFA Europa League – vs. Ulisses FC

After Birkirkara FC placed third in the BOV Premier League and won the Malta FA Trophy, they participated in the first round of the UEFA Europa League and they were drawn against Armenia's Ulisses FC.

The Stripes shared the spoils in a goal-less draw in the home-leg despite having an edge over their opponents. However, in the second-leg match, the Stripes produced a five-star display to defeat Ulisses FC with a comfortable 3-1 score and registered the biggest away victory in the competition thanks to goals by Miccoli, Mazzetti and a penalty converted by Fenech.

This was Birkirkara's first qualification to the second round since the start of the UEFA Europa League.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 3-1 Ulisses FC

Season 2015-2016: UEFA Europa League – vs. West Ham United FC

Still in the buoyant mood after their biggest away victory in the UEFA Europa League, the Stripes were aware that their second round opponents will be no one else than the English famous side, West Ham United.

Birkirkara started their second round commitments with the away leg. Few would really believe that they could walk out tall from the Boleyn Ground but they produced a fantastic performance and they were only downed with a ninetieth minute goal by the hosts to register a narrow advantage for the second leg.

In the second-leg, in front of more than 15,000 spectators, the Stripes defeated West Ham United thanks to a first-half goal by Fabrizio Miccoli but they were still eliminated after they lost in the penalty shoot-out. Despite the elimination, a match that will remain in the memory for many years.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 3-5 P West Ham United FC

Season 2016-2017: UEFA Europa League – vs. NK Siroki Brijeg

In the 2015-2016 season, Birkirkara finished in the third place and once again, they earned their spot in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League and they were drawn against NK Siroki Brijeg of Bosnia & Herzegovina.

The Stripes produced a very satisfactory performance in the first-leg which was played at the Pecara Stadium to hold NK Siroki Brijegi in a 1-1 draw. Cain Attard had put the Stripes in the lead but a goal just before half-time left nothing to separate both team, bar an advantage result for the Stripes.

In the second-leg, Birkirkara proved to be above the level of their opponents and a goal in each half by Srdjan Dimitrov and own goal handed them a fine 2-0 victory and a 3-1 aggregate score to seal the qualification for the next round. The victory also meant that they were the first Maltese Club to qualify for the second round of the competition in two consecutive years.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 3-1 NK Siroki Brijeg

Season 2016-2017: UEFA Europa League – vs. Heart of Midlothian FC

After eliminating NK Siroki Brijeg, Birkirkara were set for another luxury fixture as their next opponents were Heart of Midlothian of Scotland.

The Stripes, with momentum on their side, went on achieving another positive result as they played an excellent tactical game to hold Hearts in a goal-less draw to keep their hopes alive and kicking after the first-leg of the second qualifying round, which was played at the Hibernians Stadium.

In the second-leg match, in front of a crowd of over 14,000, Birkirkara wrote a new page in Maltese history as two goals in the second-half by Christian Bubalovic and Edward Herrera gave them a historic 2-1 victory. History was written once again as Birkirkara FC became the first Maltese Club to reach the third qualification round in European Competitions.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 2-1 Heart of Midlothian FC

Season 2016-2017: UEFA Europa League – vs. FC Krasnodar

In a buoyant mood after writing a new page in Maltese football's history, the Stripes were drawn to face the strong side FC Krasnodar of Russia.

In the first-leg match which was played at the Hibernians Stadium, the Stripes played their hearts out but it wasn't enough to stop the Russian strong side from winning the match with a comfortable score as they registered a 3-0 victory.

The Stripes produced another fine performance in the away-leg in Russia but Krasnodar picked-up another 3-1 victory to make it to the play-off round with a 6-1 aggregate score. Despite Birkirkara were eliminated, this European journey will be remembered for reaching new heights in European competitions.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 1-6 FC Krasnodar

Season 2018-2019: UEFA Europa League – vs. KÍ Klaksvík

Birkirkara FC returned to European Competitions in Season 2018-2019. In the new format of the UEFA Europa League, the Stripes started their commitments in the preliminary round and they were drawn against KÍ Klaksvík of Faroe Islands.

The first leg which was played in Malta, at the Centenary Stadium, finished in a disappointing note as a goal two minutes from time by Deni Pavlovic earned the visitors an away 1-1 draw following Michael Mifsud's goal in the second half.

On the other hand, KI Klaksvik earned a 2-1 victory on their home soil as a goal each by Deni Pavlović and Páll Klettskard paved the way with Birkirkara's Marcelo Henrique scoring a consolation goal.

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 2-3 KÍ Klaksvík

Season 2021-2022: UEFA Europa Conference League – vs. SP La Fiorita

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 2-1 SP La Fiorita

Season 2021-2022: UEFA Europa Conference League – vs. NK Olimpija Ljubljana

Aggregate score: Birkirkara FC 1-1 P NK Olimpija Ljubljana