Pyunik Yerevan edged past Marsaxlokk 1-0 in the first leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier, a result shaped by an early red card. Christoffer Mafoumbi's sending-off in the 10th minute left the Maltese side with ten men for over 80 minutes, and Pyunik eventually breached their resolute defence.
The only goal arrived in the 80th minute. Daniil Kulikov fired home to break the deadlock, giving the Armenian side a slender advantage. Marsaxlokk had defended stoutly despite the numerical disadvantage, but the pressure told late on.
The key moment was Mafoumbi's dismissal, which forced Marsaxlokk into a defensive rearguard action. Pyunik, despite dominating possession after the red card, had to wait until the final ten minutes to find a way through, with Kulikov proving the difference.
