The New Saints face Sabah in the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round second leg tonight, with the Welsh champions holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg. League leaders with 80 points from 32 games (26 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses), TNS have scored 81 goals and conceded just 25 this season, sitting 22 points clear of second-place GAP Connah’s Quay FC. Sabah manager Valdas Dambrauskas has warned his side against complacency ahead of the return fixture in Wales. ## What did Dambrauskas say? The Sabah boss stressed the importance of focus ahead of the match, stating: "We need to be even more concentrated than in the first leg. Teams always play 20-25% better in the Champions League, so we can’t assume the job is done." Dambrauskas confirmed his squad is fully fit, except for suspended midfielder Stive Solvet, and praised the team’s preparation after arriving in Wales a day early. ## Why this match matters for TNS A win would see The New Saints progress to the next round of the Champions League, where they would face tougher opposition. With a dominant league campaign (recent form: 5 straight wins) and a 22-point lead, TNS are in strong form. However, European competitions often bring surprises, and Sabah’s warning highlights the need for caution. ## What’s next for The New Saints? After tonight’s clash, TNS will return to domestic action, aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak. Their last match, a 1-0 win over Barry Town on April 18, 2026, showcased their resilience. With a goal difference of +56, they remain the team to beat in the Cymru Premier.
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Valdas Dambrauskas warns Sabah against complacency ahead of TNS clash
Sabah manager Valdas Dambrauskas urges focus ahead of Champions League qualifier against The New Saints, who lead Cymru Premier by 22 points.
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