The race for the final two berths in the YoHealth Malta Premier League Closing Round is set to go down to the wire as four teams are battling for the final two spots in the final round of fixtures next weekend.
Valletta and Naxxar Lions look to be in the driving seat to seal their place while Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara must win their final two matches and hope results elsewhere go their way.
Here is a roundup of all the action from Matchday 26 by SportsDesk.
Sliema Wanderers FC (0 – 1) Floriana FC
Floriana damaged Sliema’s Top 6 hopes when they secured a 1-0 win at the National Stadium.
Federico Varela netted the all-important goal with 20 minutes to go to ensure the Greens strengthened their grip on top spot.
Ħamrun Spartans FC (3 – 0) Birkirkara FC
Ħamrun Spartans kept up the pressure on Floriana when they brushed aside Birkirkara 3-0.
Matthew Guillaumier put the Spartans ahead before Joseph Mbong grabbed a quick-fire brace midway through the second half to lift his team within two points of leaders Floriana.
The result meant that Gżira United and Marsaxlokk joined Ħamrun Spartans and Floriana in the Top 6.
Gżira United FC (1 – 0) Hibernians FC
Gżira United needed a late goal from Clayton Failla to overcome Hibernians.
The result was a major blow for the Paolites who are mathematically out of the equation for a Top 6 berth for the second time this season.
Żabbar St. Patrick FC (5 – 3) Mosta FC
Żabbar St Patrick and Mosta gave life to an eight-goal thriller which saw the Saints prevail 5-3.
Prince Emmanuel put Mosta ahead, however, Bruno Figueiredo levelled matters soon after.
Nevin Portelli restored Mosta’s lead, but Żabbar managed to turn the match around with goals from Pedro Cejas and Im Youngwon before the same Cejas made it 4-2.
Mosta kept fighting and Leo Fernandes pulled one back but it was Żabbar who sealed the win with a fifth goal on 84 minutes through Ayom Majok.
Valletta FC (3 – 1) Tarxien Rainbows FC
Valletta moved up to fifth in the standings with a 3-1 win over Tarxien Rainbows.
Yuri Messias put the Citizens ahead from a penalty before Yannik Yankam doubled their lead. Ahmed Adebayo added a third goal with Marko Musulin pulling a goal back for Tarxien Rainbows.
Marsaxlokk FC (1 – 1) Naxxar Lions FC
Marsaxlokk were held to a 1-1 draw by Naxxar Lions.
Louis Pahama fired a spectacular opener for the Lions. Naxxar’s hopes were jolted when Gustavo Campos was dismissed.
Dodo Soares equalised for Marsaxlokk and the former Ħamrun striker had the chance to put his team ahead from a penalty but saw his shot saved by goalkeeper Matthias Debono as both teams had to settle for a point.
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