Hibernians missed a crucial opportunity to strengthen their position in the 360Sports Malta Premier Closing Round as they were held to a goalless draw by Balzan at the National Stadium on Thursday.

 

The result leaves Balzan at the bottom of the table with nine points, following Naxxar’s victory over Marsaxlokk, which brought them level with Melita and just one point behind Gzira United. Meanwhile, Hibernians remain uncertain of securing a Top 6 finish.

 

The Paolites now sit in joint third place alongside Marsaxlokk and Mosta, all on 16 points, two behind Floriana and three adrift of league leaders Birkirkara. Sliema currently hold sixth place with 15 points, while Zabbar and Hamrun closely trail with 14.

 

Lucas Villela scored twice as Hibernians fought back from an early setback to secure a hard-fought victory over Naxxar Lions.

 

Last Thursday, Hibernians edged past Naxxar Lions to reach the FA Trophy semi-finals for the first time in three years. Fate brought the two teams together again just three days later, with both sides eager to claim all three points given their league standings.

 

Hibernians coach Branko Nisevic made several changes to his lineup, introducing Isaiah Chukunyere, Stanislav Sorokin, and Matthew Ellul into the starting eleven. Meanwhile, Naxxar Lions coach George Vella also reshuffled his squad, restoring first-choice goalkeeper Matthias Debono, while Maicon, Edson Farias, and Edward Angulo returned after being rested in midweek.

 

Naxxar made an explosive start, taking the lead just three minutes in. Maicon delivered a pinpoint ball to Angulo, whose shot was blocked by Pablo Sanchez. However, Farias was quick to react, pouncing on the rebound to fire home.

 

Hibernians responded swiftly, with Khevin Fraga sending a warning shot over the bar. Moments later, Villela capitalized on a clever through-ball from Chukunyere to slot past Debono and level the score.

 

Villela struck again before halftime, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess by outpacing his marker and calmly finishing, marking his 11th goal in eight games for Hibernians. The Paolites extended their lead when Dexter Xuereb rifled in a stunning free-kick, which found the net via the underside of the crossbar.

 

Just as Hibernians seemed in control, Naxxar clawed their way back into the game in the 38th minute. Maicon set up Angulo, who netted his third goal in as many starts for Naxxar Lions.

 

The second half was a tense affair, with both sides squandering chances in a thrilling, end-to-end battle. Naxxar’s best opportunity to equalize came in the 58th minute when Angulo Bolanos opted to pass instead of shooting with the goal at his mercy.

 

Hibernians also had chances to seal the game, with Carvalho and Villela both going close. However, despite the tense finish, Hibernians held on to secure the victory, climbing to fourth place in the standings.

 

Lucas Villela’s stunning goal helped Hibernians secure a 2-0 victory over Naxxar Lions, booking their place in the FA Trophy semi-final where they will face Ħamrun Spartans. Villela received a pass from Felicio Carvalho, skillfully dribbled past Ryan Gilmour Cassar, and slotted the ball into the net with precision. Carvalho later sealed the win with Hibernians’ second goal.

 

The upcoming semi-final clash against Ħamrun Spartans will see Hibernians coach Branko Nisevic face his former club, with his team now just one victory away from reaching the FA Trophy final for the first time in years.

 

Naxxar Lions came into the match with confidence, riding a three-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League, but their momentum was halted when Villela silenced their supporters with a moment of brilliance after just 12 minutes. Carvalho provided the assist, and Villela displayed remarkable agility to evade Cassar before beating goalkeeper André Fenech.

 

Hibernians looked lively in attack but struggled to convert their chances. On 22 minutes, Villela turned provider, setting up Dexter Xuereb, who fired his shot over the bar. Before halftime, Khevin Fraga’s long-range effort was only partially blocked by Fenech, but the Naxxar defence cleared the danger.

 

Naxxar started the second half with renewed energy, forcing Hibernians goalkeeper Pablo Sanchez into a sharp save from Fernando Barbosa’s shot. However, despite Naxxar’s increased possession, Hibernians remained a constant attacking threat. Their persistence paid off in the 57th minute when Fraga broke free and set up Carvalho, who sprinted past Barbosa before unleashing a powerful shot past Fenech to double their lead.

 

Naxxar’s Edward Bolanos, brought on for Hugo Coelho, nearly pulled one back six minutes from time but was denied by Sanchez. Moments later, Takuma Yamaguchi fired a shot just wide of the post, but it was not enough to alter the outcome. Hibernians held firm to secure their place in the semi-final, moving one step closer to FA Trophy glory.

 

Birkirkara secured a vital 2-0 victory over Hibernians, moving level on points with Marsaxlokk at the top of the Premier League standings.

 

Stefano De Angelis’ team now leads with 15 points, while Hibernians remain on 12, still in the race for a Top Six spot.

 

Hibernians made the brighter start, with Alex Bruno having an early effort that went wide of Giacomo Volpe’s goal. However, Birkirkara quickly took control of the match, dominating possession while Hibernians played a more cautious game, hoping to capitalize on mistakes.

 

Lucas Villela almost stunned Volpe with a powerful long-range shot, but the Birkirkara goalkeeper was equal to the task.

 

It was Birkirkara who eventually took the lead. Ignacio Morello sent in a precise cross, which Leandro Lacunza met with a stunning volley to beat Pablo Sanchez and give the Stripes the advantage.

 

Lacunza came close to doubling the lead shortly after, but his effort struck the woodwork, and Alex Alves fired the rebound wide from close range.

 

In the second half, Birkirkara were forced to make a substitution as captain Alexander Satariano limped off with an injury, with Shaun Dimech coming on in his place.

 

Hibernians responded with Bruno again, but his shot lacked the necessary accuracy. Paul Mbong then tested Sanchez, but his shot was comfortably saved. Maxuell also had a chance for Birkirkara, but failed to find the net.

 

Alessandro Coppola made a crucial clearance off the line to deny Villela’s header, keeping Birkirkara in the lead.

 

Despite sustained pressure from Hibernians, it was Birkirkara who found the back of the net again. A mistake by Kurt Shaw in midfield allowed substitute Yikpe Ghamien to pounce and seal the victory with a well-taken finish.

 

 

Lucas Villela found the net in both halves as Hibernians secured a solid win over Mosta, returning to winning ways in the Closing Round.

 

The victory moves the Paolites up to third in the standings, just two points behind joint leaders Hamrun Spartans and Floriana, keeping them firmly in the title race. Branko Nisevic’s team delivered a composed and dominant display to earn their fourth win of the phase.

 

Meanwhile, Mosta’s struggles continued with their fourth defeat, leaving them in eighth place with just nine points.

 

Hibernians started on the front foot and nearly opened the scoring after 10 minutes when Bjorn Kristensen set up Federico Falcone, but the Argentine forward fired his shot over the bar. Moments later, Villela tested the Mosta goalkeeper with a powerful strike, only to be denied by a brilliant save.

 

The Paolites’ pressure eventually paid off when Falcone whipped in a precise low cross, allowing Villela to strike into the far corner and give Hibernians a well-deserved lead.

 

Mosta attempted to find a way back into the game but struggled to create clear-cut chances before halftime. Trailing by a goal, they introduced Jamie Scerri and Eric Chukwuemeke for the second half, replacing James Arthur who had been booked earlier and Joao Teixeira. The substitutions injected energy into the team as they adopted a high-pressing approach, pushing Hibernians deeper.

 

Souleymane Kone had a great chance to equalize with a close-range effort, but his shot sailed over the bar. Despite Mosta’s increased urgency, it was Hibernians who doubled their advantage, with Villela volleying home from close range to seal his brace.

 

Clayton Failla tried to spark a comeback with a trademark long-range free kick, but Pablo Sanchez reacted well to make the save. Joshua Agyemang also came close, attempting to squeeze a shot past Sanchez, but the Hibernians goalkeeper stood firm to deny him.

 

In the final stages, Hibernians managed the game efficiently, maintaining their two-goal lead and ensuring a comfortable three points.

 

Zabbar St Patrick delivered a stunning performance to overwhelm Hibernians, handing them a humiliating defeat in what was arguably their worst outing of the season. The Premier League newcomers were faster, stronger, and sharper, controlling key areas of the pitch with Brian Gambarte dictating play in midfield. Meanwhile, Hibernians’ defensive duo Kurt Shaw and Lucas Iapert struggled to contain the relentless pace of Kristian Keqi and Stefan Ilic.

 

The match could have taken a different turn if not for Zabbar goalkeeper Luca Camilleri, who made two crucial saves in quick succession during the first half to thwart Hibernians’ attempt at a comeback after conceding the opening goal.

 

Prior to kickoff, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of former Hibernians stalwart Louis Theobald, who passed away earlier in the day. However, the Paolites looked off the pace from the start, despite an early attempt from Jurgen Degabriele. Zabbar quickly took control and after 11 minutes, Iapert had a chance to put Hibernians ahead when he was played through by Degabriele, but his shot, though beating Camilleri, was cleared off the line by Strahinja Jovancic.

 

Zabbar refused to be intimidated and took the lead in the 19th minute. Ilic combined with Jovancic, who pulled the ball back for Keqi to slot home from close range. Hibernians struggled to find a response, and Zabbar nearly doubled their lead before the break when Marcelo Barros Santos unleashed a powerful long-range strike that tested Hugo Sacco.

 

Hibernians came close to equalizing three minutes later, but Camilleri denied Dexter Xuereb’s header from a Degabriele corner and followed it up with another save to stop Kurt Shaw’s effort. Frustration mounted for Hibernians, culminating in Henrique Nunes Silva being sent off for kicking out at Keqi just before halftime.

 

Zabbar extended their advantage early in the second half. Ilic once again proved instrumental, delivering a superb left-wing cross for Joao Tavares, whose initial header was blocked by Sacco, but David Oliveira Souza was on hand to poke the rebound home. That goal all but ended the contest, with Hibernians failing to muster any meaningful response.

 

The newcomers continued to dominate and made it 3-0 when Gambarte kept his composure to fire a low shot past Sacco. Zabbar nearly added a fourth when Sacco saved Keqi’s effort, only for Ilic’s rebound to rattle the woodwork.

 

Hibernians’ dismal afternoon was complete four minutes from time, as Oliveira Souza struck again from close range to compound their misery. Zabbar’s energetic and clinical display left Hibernians with plenty of questions to answer after a humbling defeat.

 

Hibernians secured their second consecutive victory with a 4-1 comeback win over ten-man Gzira United, moving level at the top of the standings with Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara, though the former still have a game in hand. Gzira, meanwhile, suffered their second defeat of the season, leaving them joint-third from the bottom with five points.

 

The match was evenly contested for much of the first half, but the dismissal of Luis Riascos shortly before the break shifted the momentum in Hibernians’ favor. Gzira coach Giovanni Tedesco was without several key players, including the suspended Kurt Zammit, Nikola Disic, and Kevin Tulimieri, as well as the injured Gabriel Bohrer Mentz and Enrico Pepe. Cain Formosa was chosen ahead of Giulio Mangano in goal, while Joseph Minala, Diogo Barbosa, and Brooklyn Borg were handed starting roles. Hibernians made one change from their previous league match, with Pedro Henrique Silva replacing Dexter Xuereb in the lineup.

 

Gzira started brightly, with Minala heading wide from a Stefan Denic corner after eight minutes. Soon after, Hibernians came close when Jurgen Degabriele struck the post from inside the area. Midway through the first half, Kurt Shaw played in Villela, who set up Degabriele, but he failed to make proper contact. Moments later, a free kick from Thiaguinho curled just wide, and a goal-bound effort by Villela was deflected for a corner.

 

Gzira were reduced to ten men in the 37th minute when Riascos received a straight red card for striking Apostolos Martinis. Despite being a man down, they took the lead just before halftime when Brooklyn Borg was fouled in the box by Pedro Henrique Silva. Faysal Chouaib stepped up and converted the penalty to put the Maroons ahead.

 

Hibernians responded quickly after the break, equalizing within five minutes when Khevin Fraga’s low shot from distance slipped through Formosa’s grasp and rolled into the net. Three minutes later, they went ahead as Villela finished off a Degabriele assist with a precise angled shot.

 

Formosa redeemed himself with a fine save on a Martinis effort from the edge of the area, but Hibernians extended their lead in the 71st minute. Degabriele swung in a corner, and Bjorn Kristensen rose to head the ball past Formosa.

 

The Paolites put the result beyond doubt in the 78th minute. Another Degabriele corner caused problems in the Gzira defense, leading to a blocked attempt by Kevin Fraga before Rui Bruno slotted home from close range, sealing a commanding 4-1 victory.

 

Hibernians secured their place in the FA Trophy quarter-finals with a dominant victory over Qala Saints at the Gozo Stadium. A first-half brace from Lucas Villela set the Paolites on course before Alex Bruno sealed the win with a third goal early in the second half.

 

The match began in ideal fashion for Hibernians, who took the lead within five minutes after being awarded a penalty. Although Alex Bruno’s spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Owen Attard, Villela reacted quickly to slot home the rebound.

 

Hibernians continued to control proceedings, with Attard forced into action again on 19 minutes to deny Jurgen Degabriele’s inswinging free kick, before Villela fired over from the loose ball. However, Qala Saints grew into the game, using their quick transitions to trouble the Hibernians defense. Gabriel Cardona twice tested goalkeeper Pablo Sanchez, who produced excellent saves in the 23rd and 27th minutes to keep his side in front.

 

Five minutes before halftime, Hibernians doubled their advantage. Degabriele delivered a pinpoint cross, allowing Villela the time and space to head past Attard for his second goal of the match.

 

The Paolites maintained their intensity after the break, extending their lead just four minutes into the second half. Degabriele’s cross found Bjorn Kristensen, whose powerful shot was saved by Attard, but Alex Bruno pounced on the rebound to make it 3-0.

 

Kristensen nearly got on the scoresheet himself on the hour mark, narrowly missing the target after another delivery from Degabriele, who was soon replaced by Ukrainian debutant Stanislav Sorokin.

 

Qala had a rare opportunity to pull one back in the 72nd minute when a defensive lapse from Hibernians allowed Nicholas Inguanez a sight of goal, but Sanchez was quick to block the danger and preserve his clean sheet.

 

With a commanding performance, Hibernians comfortably secured their spot in the next round, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.

 

Hibernians returned to winning ways with an important victory that dealt a blow to Sliema’s hopes of securing a Top Six finish at the National Stadium.

 

This win ended a worrying run of back-to-back defeats for Hibernians and marked their second victory in four matches during the Closing Round. Meanwhile, Sliema will find this loss particularly frustrating, as defensive errors gifted Hibernians a goal in each half, leaving coach Paul Zammit with more concerns over his side’s defensive stability.

 

The Blues have now suffered two defeats in the Closing Round, a stark contrast to their strong Opening Round, where they lost just once.

 

Hibernians coach Branko Nisevic made several changes following their 1-0 defeat against Marsaxlokk, with Higor, Pedro Henrique, Lucas Caruana, and Federico Falcone making way for Alex Bruno, Lucas Villela, Mathias Ellul, and Dexter Xuereb.

 

Despite the reshuffled lineup, Hibernians started the game strongly, opening the scoring through Villela. Bjorn Kristensen played a perfect long ball over the halfway line, which the Brazilian controlled before charging into the box and firing past Kelvin Emeka.

 

However, Sliema responded swiftly. Just three minutes later, Vito Plut rose brilliantly in the box to meet a Myles Beerman cross, powering a header past Hugo Sacco to level the score.

 

Hibernians regained the lead in the 24th minute, capitalizing on a mistake from Emeka. The Sliema goalkeeper had strayed off his line, allowing Ilias Apostolos to curl the ball into the net from a tight angle.

 

Early in the second half, Hibernians extended their lead in calamitous fashion for Sliema. Gustavo Alcino lost possession deep in his own half, and Khevin Fraga took full advantage, calmly slotting past Emeka to make it 3-1.

 

Sliema refused to go down without a fight, and substitute Maksym Priadun made an instant impact, scoring just four minutes after coming on to give his side a lifeline.

 

Hibernians had a chance to restore their two-goal cushion in the 70th minute when Bruno found himself one-on-one with Emeka, but the Sliema goalkeeper denied him with a crucial save.

 

With time running out, Sliema pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Beerman came close with a powerful shot that sailed over the bar three minutes from time, while Wescley nearly caught out Sacco with a looping effort, only for the Hibernians goalkeeper to make a decisive save and secure the win for his team.

 

A late first-half strike secured a crucial 1-0 victory for Marsaxlokk over Hibernians at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.

 

Enzo Potenza’s team displayed superior tactical organisation and control throughout most of the match. Alex Aguiar, who netted the decisive goal, maintained his impressive form by scoring his fourth goal in three Closing Round appearances.

 

This victory propelled Marsaxlokk to seven points from three matches in the Closing Round, while Hibernians suffered their second defeat in three games, leaving them on just three points.

 

Marsaxlokk dominated possession in the first half but struggled to penetrate Hibernians’ defence. Hibernians’ best opportunity came through Jurgen Degabriele, whose brilliant solo effort was expertly saved by goalkeeper Matthew Calleja Cremona.

 

Shortly before half-time, Marsaxlokk made an early substitution, with Enmy Peña Beltre being replaced by Duvan Torres. Moments later, Leandro Aguirre’s precise cross set up Alex Aguiar for a close-range tap-in, giving Marsaxlokk the lead.

 

At the start of the second half, Dodo made his debut for Marsaxlokk after his winter transfer from Ħamrun Spartans. He nearly marked his maiden appearance with a goal, but Hugo Sacco blocked his long-range effort.

 

Hibernians introduced several attacking substitutions, including winter signing Lucas Villela, in a bid to find an equaliser. Despite their efforts, Marsaxlokk’s defence held firm.

 

Late in the match, Dodo came close to doubling Marsaxlokk’s lead with a low strike, but it was deflected out for a corner as Marsaxlokk secured all three points.