Hibernians and Naxxar Lions battled to a 1–1 draw in a fiery encounter that came alive in the second half, featuring momentum shifts, VAR-style interventions, and both teams desperately chasing a late winner.

The result leaves Hibernians level with Gżira United at the top of the Bottom Six standings, while Naxxar move joint on points with relegation rivals Tarxien.

Hibernians created the first real chance after 14 minutes when Lucas Vilela forced Naxxar goalkeeper Matthias Debono into an important block. Naxxar responded through Gustavo De Campos, who flashed a powerful strike over the crossbar.

De Campos remained lively and on 42 minutes headed wide from a Neil Pace Cocks free-kick. Just before the break, Naxxar almost struck first when Vitinho dazzled past three defenders and set up Gabriel Goncalves, only for Hibs goalkeeper Laurentiu Branescu to produce a brilliant stop.

Naxxar carried that momentum into the second half, with Vitinho hitting the side-netting and later seeing a bending effort denied by Branescu.

The breakthrough arrived in the 68th minute—but not without controversy. Hibernians coach Branko Nisevic appealed for a review, prompting referee Daniel Casha to consult the Football Video Support (FVS) system. The footage showed Amiel Sekala Guehi pulling Cleiton inside the area, and a penalty was awarded. Vilela coolly sent Debono the wrong way to put Hibs ahead.

But the Lions struck back instantly. From a Vitinho free-kick, substitute Firmino rose above everyone to head home and restore parity just two minutes later.

Both teams pushed furiously for a decisive goal. Mailson saw his free-kick blocked, while Naxxar’s Vitinho fired a deflected effort narrowly off target.

In the 88th minute, more drama unfolded when Naxxar appealed for a handball inside the box, triggering another FVS review. This time, Casha waved play on, deciding against awarding a penalty.

The match closed with both sides frustrated but forced to settle for a point apiece.

HIBERNIANS: L. Branescu, A. Silas (78 Mailson), L. Caruana (86 A. Attard), L. Iapert, B. Kristensen, P. Alves de Lima, D. Bonnici (77 M. Ellul), Cleiton, A. Alves Cacho, P. Nunes, Charleston.
NAXXAR LIONS: M. Debono, T. Kruger, G. De Campos, N. Pace Cocks, E. Farias (57 A. Firmino), Vitinho, C. Gauci, Rosiel Pereira, G. Goncalves, C. Guehi Sekala (86 M. Mariano), J. Cardoso.