Floriana F.C. were crowned Maltese champions after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Marsaxlokk F.C. in a thrilling and controversial title decider.

The Greens came from behind to secure the championship thanks to goals from Federico Varela and substitute Kenan Dervisagic, whose stoppage-time winner sparked wild celebrations among Floriana supporters.

Dervisagic’s decisive goal in the third minute of added time was immediately surrounded by controversy, with Marsaxlokk players protesting that the Bosnian forward failed to make contact with Carlo Zammit Lonardelli’s delivery before the ball crossed the line. Following an FVS review, referee Matthew De Gabriele awarded the goal, confirming Floriana’s triumph.

The title marks Floriana’s 27th league championship, extending their national record and securing their first undisputed title since the 2019/20 season, which had been prematurely halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Having finished runners-up in the Opening Round before dominating the Closing Round, Floriana accumulated the highest number of points throughout the campaign and ultimately completed their impressive season with championship success.

Marsaxlokk, meanwhile, were left heartbroken after producing an excellent first-half performance and taking the lead before eventually falling to late drama. Despite the defeat, the Southseasiders can still reflect on a memorable season that will see them compete in the UEFA Conference League this summer.

The match began with Marsaxlokk showing greater urgency and attacking intent. Early opportunities fell to Ulises Arias, Dodo and Leandro Aguirre as Floriana struggled to settle into the game.

Marsaxlokk’s pressure paid off on 36 minutes when Arias delivered a dangerous cross from the right and Rasmus Linden reacted quickest to lob the ball over goalkeeper Guilherme Cioletti and into the net despite a desperate attempt from Owen Spiteri to clear off the line.

Floriana nearly equalised before half-time through Rui Areias, but goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi produced an important save to preserve Marsaxlokk’s advantage at the break.

Floriana coach Daniel Portela responded early in the second half by introducing Jake Grech and Mustapha Jah in a bid to increase attacking pressure. The changes quickly paid off as Jah set up Federico Varela, who fired an angled shot past Mafoumbi to level the score just minutes after the restart.

The Greens then took control of the contest, creating a series of chances through Alen Kurtalic, Mustapha Jah and Iago Mendonca as Marsaxlokk struggled to regain momentum.

Still, Marsaxlokk remained dangerous on the counterattack and came close through Linden and captain Nikolai Muscat as the match appeared destined for extra-time.

Instead, Floriana struck dramatically in stoppage time. A long throw from Carlo Zammit Lonardelli caused confusion inside the Marsaxlokk area, with Dervisagic credited for the decisive touch as the ball bounced off the upright and into the net.

Marsaxlokk almost forced extra-time moments later when Weder Silva fired low across goal, but neither Joseph Minala nor Dodo managed to apply the finishing touch from close range.

Seconds later, the final whistle confirmed Floriana as champions, sparking emotional celebrations among players, staff and supporters after a six-year wait for league glory.