Nine-man Gżira United battled valiantly to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Naxxar Lions, extending their cushion above the relegation zone in the YoHealth Malta Premier League.

It was a disciplined and clinical display from Darren Abdilla’s side, who capitalised on their few chances and punished a hesitant Naxxar defence. The victory lifts the Maroons to eighth place on 13 points, now eight clear of the drop zone.

For Naxxar, it was another frustrating night. Despite dominating possession and playing with a two-man advantage for more than an hour, they failed to make it count. The Lions remain rooted to the bottom of the table with five points, and serious improvements will be needed if they are to avoid relegation.

Naxxar began brightly, enjoying the better of the early exchanges but without posing much threat. Against the run of play, Gżira took the lead on 14 minutes, when Johann Bonilla cut inside and curled a fine effort past Matthias Debono.

The Lions responded swiftly, levelling five minutes later through Gabriel Costa Gonçalves, who finished off a precise low cross from Vinicius after some clever footwork on the flank.

Naxxar then had a golden opportunity to go in front when Clayton Failla brought down Costa Gonçalves in the area. The referee not only awarded a penalty but also sent Failla off. However, Alexander Firmino’s spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Edoardo Colombo, keeping Gżira level.

Despite being a man down, the Maroons regained their composure and restored their lead on 38 minutes. From a Bonilha free-kick, Andre Pena Da Costa rose highest to head home past Debono.

Naxxar pressed relentlessly in the second half but struggled to find a breakthrough. Instead, Gżira could have sealed the win when Andre and Fabrizio Virgens both went close, the latter seeing a shot deflected onto the crossbar.

The Maroons’ task became even tougher when David Xuereb was dismissed for a second bookable offence late on, but they held firm to claim a spirited and vital victory.