BIRKIRKARA VS FLORIANA 2-2
Reid 7, Busuttil 90 (B); Dervisagic 4, Grech 34 pen. (F)
MARSAXLOKK VS VALLETTA 1-1
Arias 53 (M); Zammit 55 (V)
NAXXAR VS HIBERNIANS 2-1
Pahama 14, Baiano 67 (N); Shaw 70 (H)
SLIEMA VS GŻIRA 2-1
Duranovic 7, Prsa 45 (S); Murillo 79 og . (G)
It was an afternoon filled with drama and decisive moments across the Premier League as the final Top Six places in the Closing Round were determined.
Naxxar Lions will be playing Top Six football for the first time since the new format was introduced, while Valletta secured their berth as well, strengthening their position in view of potential European football next season.
Meanwhile, the Closing Round Bottom Six will feature three former Premier League winners in Sliema Wanderers, Hibernians and Birkirkara as relegation football promises to be intriguing as the second phase kicks on.
The first breakthrough came just four minutes into the afternoon when Kenan Dervišagić fired Floriana ahead against Birkirkara.
However, the Stripes quickly responded, with Kemar Reid drawing them level as Birkirkara looked to cause an upset against the round leaders.
Meanwhile, Sliema Wanderers made a dream start in their crucial clash against Gżira United.
Uroš Đuranović put the Blues ahead after just eight minutes – a vital goal for a side that needed victory to keep their Top Six hopes alive, while also relying on favourable results elsewhere.
Elsewhere, Naxxar Lions also made their move.
Louis Pahama struck to give the Lions the lead against Hibernians, temporarily lifting them to fourth place on 18 points while leaving the Paolites – already out of Top Six contention – struggling near the bottom of the table.
Floriana regained their advantage against Birkirkara when Jake Grech converted from the penalty spot, a result that at that stage would have ensured that the Greens finished top of the Opening Phase of the Closing Round.
Meanwhile, at the National Stadium, Marsaxlokk and Valletta were locked in a tense battle.
The Southseasiders, already assured of a Top Six spot, looked the more threatening side, while Valletta knew that even a draw would be enough to secure their place in the championship phase. Despite a handful of chances, the teams went into the break goalless.
Back in the Sliema match, Roko Prša doubled the Blues’ advantage just before half-time, putting them in a strong position.
At the interval, Floriana, Naxxar and Sliema were all leading in their respective matches, while Valletta were still holding on to a valuable draw.
The second half brought further twists.
José Arias produced a brilliant individual effort early after the restart, dribbling past two Valletta defenders before finding the net to put Marsaxlokk ahead.
The goal temporarily pushed Marsaxlokk up to third place and dropped Valletta into a precarious position – level on points with Sliema, meaning the final Top Six place would have to be decided by other criteria.
However, Valletta responded almost immediately.
Andrea Zammit capitalised on a cross from Yuri to equalise from close range just a minute later, restoring the Citizens’ place inside the Top Six.
Naxxar then strengthened their grip on qualification when João Victor doubled their lead against Hibernians, a goal that all but confirmed their place among the top six teams while adding further pressure on the Paolites, who will once again have to fight in the Bottom Six.
Kurt Shaw did pull one back shortly afterwards for Hibernians, but the Lions remained in control.
Late drama unfolded elsewhere when Gżira pulled a goal back against Sliema through an unfortunate Murilo Henrique own goal, raising hopes for the Maroons while threatening to derail the Blues’ qualification hopes.
In the closing stages, Jan Busuttil struck to earn Birkirkara a 2-2 draw against Floriana. The result meant that should Ħamrun Spartans beat Mosta on Sunday they will join Floriana on 25 points and claim top spot in the Opening Phase thanks to a superior head-to-head record.
At the final whistle, the results confirmed that Naxxar Lions and Valletta secured the final Top Six places, joining Floriana, Ħamrun Spartans, Marsaxlokk and Gżira United in the championship phase.
Despite their victory over Gżira United, Sliema Wanderers narrowly missed out, as results elsewhere went against them.
The Blues will now compete in the Bottom Six alongside Hibernians, Birkirkara, Żabbar St. Patrick, Tarxien Rainbows and Mosta.
