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Watch: Messias stars with a fine brace as Valletta join Ħamrun Spartans in second place

Yuri Messias celebrates his goal with his Valletta team-mates. Photo: Matthias Brancaleone

Valletta came from a goal down to see off Tarxien Rainbows 2-1 and go second in the YoHealth Malta Premier League.

Yuri Messias was the protagonist for the Citizens as the Brazilian forward scored a well-taken brace that lifted his team level on points with Ħamrun Spartans and just one behind leaders Floriana.

The first half was short of scoring opportunities with Valletta coming close on 26 minutes when Jackson Mendoza’s throughball found Jefferson in space but the Brazilian could only direct the ball into the side netting.

Tarxien took the lead in first-half stoppage time when, from a corner action, Rafael Tavares was left unmarked to head the ball home.

But Valletta’s response was instant, as straight from kick-off, Yuri Messias intercepted a poor clearance from Marcus Grima and the Brazilian hammered the ball into the net.

After the break, Valletta stepped up on the accelerator as they searched for a winner, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances.

Ten minutes from time, Messias came close when his thumping drive flashed just wide.

Lineups provided by Sofascore

But that was the prelude to what was to come, as two minutes later, substitute Andrea Zammit ran in space and hit a diagonal shot, which goalkeeper Andreas Vella only managed to direct onto the feet of Messias, who fired home to hand his team three important points.

Standings provided by Sofascore

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