Valletta maintained their unbeaten run but had to settle for a 1–1 draw against Gżira United after a tightly contested encounter that saw both goals come from the penalty spot.

The Citizens were the better side for long stretches and created the clearer chances but were left frustrated by Gżira goalkeeper Edoardo Colombo, who produced several fine saves to keep his team in the match.

Valletta’s early dominance nearly paid off within three minutes when Yannick Yankam’s low drive was turned away by Colombo. The Gżira keeper was again alert midway through the half, first denying Jefferson after a clever turn, then reacting superbly to a rising shot from Yuri Messias on the half-hour mark. Late in the first half, Messias rounded Colombo and set up Jefferson, whose acrobatic effort went wide.

Despite Valletta’s control, it was Gżira United who struck first shortly after the break. Emanuel Mbende was penalised for a foul on Virgens, and Gabriel Mentz made no mistake from the spot to give the Maroons the lead.

Valletta responded quickly and were awarded a penalty of their own when Mbende went down under a challenge from Brenes. Yuri Messias confidently converted to level the score.

Gżira came close to regaining the advantage in the 69th minute when Brenes headed over from a Failla free-kick, but that proved to be their best chance of the half.

Valletta pressed hard in the closing stages but failed to find a winner, leaving them tied on points with leaders Floriana, who face Ħamrun Spartans next.

For Gżira, the draw moves them to 10 points, though their hopes of Top Six qualification are now mathematically over.