Marsaxlokk strengthened their push for a Top 6 finish in the YoHealth Malta Premier Closing Round after defeating Hibernians 2–1 and moving up to second place in the standings.

The Southseasiders did the damage inside the opening half-hour, with Danish striker Rasmus Linden scoring twice in quick succession to put his side firmly in control.

Fast Start Rewarded

Marsaxlokk began on the front foot, using the width effectively through José Arias and Juan Carlos Corbalan to pin Hibernians deep and win a series of early set-pieces. Domantas Šimkus went close with a shot that flashed just wide of Constantin Branescu’s far post.

Hibernians, fresh from their Super Cup triumph over Ħamrun Spartans, restored Mailson and Kevin Halabaku to the starting XI and retained their three-man defensive setup with Bjorn Kristensen sweeping behind Charleston and Kurt Shaw.

However, it was Marsaxlokk who struck first on 24 minutes. Nikolai Muscat threaded a precise through ball for Linden, who raced clear and calmly slotted past Branescu.

Four minutes later the striker doubled the lead, powering past Kristensen on the right before drilling a low diagonal effort into the far corner. The Hibernians captain was injured in the same move and had to be replaced by Matthew Ellul.

Paolites Miss Their Chances

Hibernians had opportunities to get back into the match before the interval. Sunday Akinbule forced a smart save from Matthew Calleja Cremona from a free-kick, while Halabaku squared for Matthew Debattista, who missed a gilt-edged chance with the goal at his mercy.

Marsaxlokk nearly added a third on 63 minutes when Dodó struck the post and Arias saw his follow-up blocked by Branescu.

Late Consolation

Pedro Nunes pulled one back deep into stoppage time with a close-range header, but the goal arrived too late to change the outcome.

The victory lifts Marsaxlokk above their direct rivals in the table and puts them in a strong position in the race for a Top 6 berth, while Hibernians come back down to earth after their midweek silverware success.