Watch: Naxxar Lions outclass title challengers Sliema Wanderers

Naxxar Lions produced one of the biggest upsets in this season’s YoHealth Malta Premier when they trounced Sliema Wanderers 4-0 at the Centenary Stadium.

Brazilian striker Joao Victor was the protagonist with a well-taken brace but credit should go to all Naxxar players who produced a brilliant performance against one of the Premier League title challengers.

But more importantly for Naxxar this was their first win of the season that moves tehm away from bottom spot and surely will provide much-needed morale to the Lions ahead of their fight to avoid the bottom two places in the Opening Round.  

For Sliema, this is a defeat that they need to forget quickly, as the Blues are now finding themselves in fifth place on 11 points, just one point ahead of Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk, and only two of these teams will book their place in the Top Six.

The Blues had started brightly and after four minutes, Fernandinho had forced a fine save from Naxxar goalkeeper Matthias Debono.

But it was Naxxar who struck on 18 minutes when Sliema goalkeeper Rashed Al Tumi made a hash of an attempt to collect a cross, dropping the ball into the feet of Joao Moura, who tapped home.

Sliema tried to fight back, but their forward intent was leaving them exposed at the back. The Lions fully profited from the situation as on 42 minutes they doubled their lead when, in a quick transition, Giuseppe Bonanno beat Al Tumi with an angled drive.

More woes followed for Sliema as in stoppage time, Joao Victor broke clear and fired the ball past Al Tumi.

After the break, Sliema threw caution to the wind, but it was Naxxar who almost made it 4-0, but Batista fired wide with only Al Tumi to beat.

Eight minutes from time, Naxxar added a fourth goal when in a counterattack, Joao Victor chipped the ball over Al Tumi.

Sliema ended the match in ten men when goalkeeper Al Tumi was sent off to wrap up a very disappointing day.