Floriana extended their lead at the top of the Closing Round to five points with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Hibernians at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Sunday.
The Greens produced a dominant and clinical display, piling pressure on nearest challengers ฤฆamrun Spartans ahead of their clash with Marsaxlokk, with Argentine playmaker Federico Varela the standout performer thanks to a well-taken brace.
Greens Strike First
Floriana started on the front foot and after ten minutes Josรฉ Teixeira picked out Rui Areias at the far post, but the forwardโs header drifted over.
They thought they had broken the deadlock on 23 minutes when Jake Grech released the unmarked Areias, who finished neatly, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
The breakthrough arrived shortly afterwards. From a Grech corner, Alen Kurtalic produced a stunning scissors kick that flew past goalkeeper Constantin Branescu to give Floriana a deserved lead.
Hibs Hit Back
Hibernians responded within five minutes. A headed ball into the area caused confusion, and although Floriana appealed for handball, Cain Attard reacted quickest to fire home the equaliser.
Varela Takes Control
Floriana coach Daniel Portela introduced Dunstan Vella and Paul Mbong at the start of the second half, a move that immediately paid dividends.
From another Grech corner, Varela rose highest to head the Greens back in front. Hibernians briefly thought they had levelled again when Sunday Akinbule found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Floriana were now in full control and dangerous on the break. Branescu denied Areias from close range, but he was powerless moments later when Mbong surged past two defenders and squared for Varela, who hammered home his second.
Late Seal
The Greens wrapped up the points three minutes from time. Mbong delivered a precise cross for substitute Carlo Zammit Lonardelli, who headed in to complete a convincing victory.
The win reaffirmed Florianaโs title credentials and opened a significant gap at the summit, while Hibernians were left to rue another frustrating afternoon.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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