Żabbar St Patrick produced another disciplined display under new coach Gilbert Agius to earn a second successive point, holding Valletta to a hard-fought goalless draw.

Emotional Return for Agius

Before kick-off, Agius — a Valletta legend — crossed over to greet his former supporters, tossing a bouquet of red roses into the stands as fans responded with chants of “There is only one captain,” setting the tone for an emotional evening.

Żabbar lined up in a compact 4-4-2 formation with Ariel Gambarte and Pedro Cejas leading the line, while Valletta made a single change from their win over Gżira United, handing Thaylor Aldama a starting role.

Valletta Control, Żabbar Threaten

Valletta dominated early possession and threatened after nine minutes when Ahmed Adebayo created space and set up Aldama, only for Gonzalo Colombo to produce a sharp save.

The Saints responded on 22 minutes, Brian Gambarte combining with Zean Leonardi, whose rising drive forced Adilson Maringa into a fingertip stop.

Despite Valletta’s territorial advantage, clear chances were limited. Aldama flashed a dangerous low cross across the face of goal just before the interval, but no attacker arrived to convert.

Tactical Changes After the Break

Agius introduced Luis Rodrigues at half-time and Żabbar emerged with greater intensity, pressing high and unsettling Valletta’s build-up.

Andrea Zammit sparked the Citizens with a driving run down the left, feeding Adebayo who released Aldama, but Kean Scicluna intervened decisively.

Valletta responded with a double substitution, bringing on Diogo Tavares and Brandon Paiber, and later switched to a back three with Yannick Yankam introduced in search of a winner.

Late Drama at Both Ends

Żabbar created promising moments, with Miguel Figueiredo wasting a good opportunity and Rodrigues firing over after a Colombo punch from a corner.

At the other end, Yuri Messias twice went close, first hitting the side netting and later delivering a cross that Stijn Meijer failed to direct on target.

Paiber tested Colombo with a fierce late drive, but the Żabbar defence scrambled clear. The final seconds brought further controversy when Rodrigues was brought down following a loose back header, yet appeals for a foul and a possible handball from the resulting free-kick were waved away.

Valuable Point for the Saints

The stalemate extends Żabbar’s unbeaten start under Agius and provides another confidence boost in their fight to avoid relegation, while Valletta were left frustrated after dominating possession without finding a breakthrough.