Strassen secured their place in the next round of the UEFA Europa Conference League with a 1-0 victory over San Marino's La Fiorita, a goal in the 85th minute providing the decisive moment that ultimately separated the two sides and sent the Luxembourg outfit through.

For the vast majority of the contest, it appeared as though the match might be heading toward extra time. La Fiorita, experienced European campaigners despite representing one of football's smallest nations, organised themselves well and refused to give Strassen the openings they sought. The match unfolded as a grinding, disciplined affair, with neither side able to manufacture a clear breakthrough in the opening exchanges.

The longer the deadlock persisted, the more tension grew inside the ground — and it was Strassen who finally found the answer with just five minutes of normal time remaining. The 85th-minute goal arrived at the most critical juncture of the tie, leaving La Fiorita no realistic avenue back into the contest. The Luxembourg side held their shape and their nerve to close out the remaining minutes without conceding.

The clean sheet was as significant as the goal itself. Strassen's defensive cohesion throughout the match ensured that La Fiorita's efforts in attack came to nothing, and it was that collective discipline at the back that laid the groundwork for the eventual win. Without it, a single lapse could have changed everything.

For La Fiorita, it is a painful exit — not because of a lack of effort or organisation, but because they were undone by a single late moment after competing admirably for most of the 90 minutes. The San Marino side leaves the competition able to reflect on a creditable showing, even if the final result did not go their way.

Strassen move on in European competition with belief intact. The late win, narrow as it was, demonstrated the mental fortitude required to progress at this level, and the Luxembourg club will take real confidence into the next qualifying round.