The Europa League draw has just been made and the Hammers have been drawn against Andorran minnows FC Lucitanos. The first leg on 2 July is in Andorra at a stadium which only holds 1,500 spectators. The return leg is at Upton Park on 9 July.
For those who don’t know, Andorra is a tiny landlocked principality on the French-Spanish border.
From WHUFC.com
Lusitans are based in Andorra la Vella, the capital of the principality. The football club were formed in 1999 and are also known as Lusitanos. The club’s name, crest and kit reflect its Portuguese identity and they play at the 1,000-capacity Camp d’Esports d’Aixoval. Twice league champions in 2011/12 and 2012/13, they booked their place in the UEFA Europa League by finishing as runners-up last year. This will be their third participation in the Europa League and have lost in the first qualifying round in their previous attempts.
I’m not counting chickens, but it would be the giant-killing act of all time if Lusitanos knocked us out.
UPDATE: In the second round we will face either Maltese side Birkirkara or Ulisses of the Armenian Premier League.