FC Vaduz surprises its own supporters with a European fairy tale: “The best moment of my career”

FC Vaduz plays its matches on the Swiss second level, because Liechtenstein itself has no official competition. The small country does have its own cup tournament with a European ticket attached. FC Vaduz won the cup last season (for the 47th time) and thus qualified for the second preliminary round for the Conference League.

Undefeated

Where AZ lost to Irish Dundee United in the European preliminary rounds, FC Vaduz is still unbeaten in Europe. In the qualifying matches, FC Koper (Slovenia), the Turkish league-leader Konyaspor (Turkey) and Rapid Wien (Austria) were defeated by the club from the microstate. Trainer Alessandro Mangiarratti is currently living in a dream. “This is my biggest success to date and also the best thing I’ve ever achieved. I think it’s especially great for the players and the club. We are a small club and never expected to travel around Europe.”

Nicolas Hasler, captain of FC Vaduz, also says he has ended up in a football fairy tale. Growing up in the capital of Liechtenstein, he never expected this to be possible for his club. “FC Vaduz has been around for 90 years. Some family members and friends have played for this club. They have never managed to get that far in Europe. We can do it and that makes it very special.”

Champions League

Player and trainer are happy with what has already been achieved, but the bottom line has not yet been reached. On paper, FC Vaduz could even play in the Champions League. Then it must successively win the Conference League and the Europa League.

AZ will take on FC Vaduz tonight at 6.45 pm. Vaduz drew in the first group match against Apollon Limassol (0-0). AZ won with minimal figures (1-0) from Dnipro-1.