Valletta rally from two goals down to stun Naxxar Lions in second-half blitz

Valletta staged a thrilling second-half revival to overturn a two-goal deficit and defeat Naxxar Lions 4-2 in an action-packed encounter.

The match unfolded in contrasting fashion, with Naxxar Lions clearly on top in the opening half as they raced into a deserved 2-0 lead. However, their inability to extend that advantage before the break proved costly, as Valletta emerged a transformed side after the interval.

Naxxar wasted no time in asserting themselves, taking the lead after just three minutes when João Victor delivered a low cross that Emiliano Montero finished emphatically at the far post. Valletta looked shaken and almost replied shortly after, but Matthias Debono produced a fine save to deny Thaylor Aldama following a neat move involving new signing Ahmed Adebayo.

The Lions doubled their lead on 31 minutes when Vitinho released Pahama inside the area, and the Frenchman laid the ball off to João Victor, who curled a composed finish beyond goalkeeper Maringa. Valletta appealed in vain for a penalty soon after for an alleged handball by Gustavo Gonçalves, but the referee allowed play to continue.

Despite being second best, Valletta found a lifeline on 36 minutes when Yannick Yankam burst into the area and set up Adebayo, who slotted home to reduce the deficit. Naxxar had chances to restore their two-goal cushion before the interval, with Montero firing straight at Maringa and Victor striking the upright after a rebound.

The second half belonged entirely to Valletta. Their pressure told on 56 minutes when a loose touch from Adebayo fell kindly to Yankam, who immediately returned the ball for the forward to finish and level the score.

Moments later, Valletta completed the turnaround. Yuri Messias unleashed a powerful strike from distance that flew past Debono, leaving Naxxar stunned. The Lions had little time to recover before conceding again on 64 minutes, when Aldama broke clear on the counter and was fouled in the area by Gonçalves.

Messias calmly converted the resulting penalty with an audacious Panenka, sealing a remarkable comeback and a 4-2 victory that lifts Valletta level with Ħamrun Spartans in second place on seven points.

After a dominant first half, Naxxar were left to rue missed opportunities, while Valletta’s ruthless second-half display underlined their growing confidence and attacking quality.