A brace by Ulises Arias handed Marsaxlokk a 2-1 victory over Valletta on Friday night, sending the Southseasiders to the top of the VBET Malta Premier League table.
Marsaxlokk maintained their unbeaten start to the season, having previously drawn with Balzan and defeated Hibernians. Valletta, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat after opening the campaign with two victories.
Valletta coach Thane Micallef made three changes to his starting line-up, handing starts to Ermin Bicakcic, Alex Tanque and Keyon Ewurum, with Brandon Paiber, Diogo Tavares and Bruno Gomes among the substitutes.
Marsaxlokk coach Enzo Potenza named an unchanged side following the impressive 1-0 victory over Sliema Wanderers.
The match was also a landmark occasion for referee Fyodor Zammit, who established a new record of 231 Malta Premier League appearances. Christopher Lautier had previously held the record with 230 top-flight matches.
Marsaxlokk made the brighter start and took the lead after 11 minutes.
Arias received a pass from Rasmus Linden before rounding two players and shooting from outside the area. His effort beat Valletta goalkeeper Adilson Maringa.
Television replays indicated that a slight deflection off Valletta defender Mattias Ellul deceived Maringa as the ball found the net.
Valletta responded strongly and went close to an equaliser in the 28th minute when Keyon Ewurum’s effort from the left was blocked by Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi.
Seconds later, the Citizens came even closer. Andrea Zammit’s close-range header appeared destined for the net, only for Domantas Simkus to clear the ball off the line.
Petar Sekulovic then saw a fine volley sail over the bar after being set up by Ewurum.
Marsaxlokk doubled their advantage four minutes before half-time.
Leandro Aguirre supplied Arias, who exchanged passes with Dodo before beating Maringa with a diagonal effort from the left to complete his brace.
Valletta had an opportunity to reduce the deficit in added time, but Sava Radic’s effort from inside the area went over after he had been served by Sekulovic.
The Citizens continued to push after the restart. Seven minutes into the second half, Jake Azzopardi tested Mafoumbi with a powerful drive from outside the area, but the Marsaxlokk goalkeeper turned the ball behind for a corner.
Mafoumbi was called into action again in the 58th minute, turning Roko Prsa’s free-kick from the right behind.
Valletta missed a good opportunity to pull one back on 75 minutes when Prsa headed wide from close range following an inviting cross by Thaylor Aldama.
Three minutes later, Mafoumbi denied Prsa from close range after the Valletta forward had been set up by Azzopardi.
Valletta continued to press as the match entered its final stages. Substitute Bruno Gomes headed just wide from Sava Radic’s cross before Diogo Tavares saw an acrobatic effort blocked.
Prsa also had a close-range attempt neutralised by Mafoumbi.
Valletta finally found a way through in the 84th minute. Prsa placed the ball into the net with his shoulder following an assist from Radic to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
The Citizens pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, but the Marsaxlokk defence held firm to secure all three points.
The victory sees Marsaxlokk continue their unbeaten start and move to the top of the Premier League standings, while Valletta will look to bounce back after suffering their first setback of the campaign.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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