Valletta continued their impressive run of form with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Hibernians, securing their fourth successive league win and maintaining their unbeaten record this season.

The Citizens had the better of the first half and made their pressure count late in the opening period. In contrast, Hibernians failed to recover from the setback and slipped to a third consecutive defeat, following losses to Ħamrun Spartans and Floriana.

Valletta coach Thane Micallef made two changes from the side that beat Naxxar Lions, with Yannick Yankam and Shaft Brewer returning to the starting lineup. Hibernians, led by Branko Nisevic, handed starts to Miullen and Pedro Cacho in place of Ayrton Attard and Cleiton.

The Citizens threatened early, with Yuri Messias rattling the crossbar after good work by Jefferson on eight minutes. A heated exchange between Thaylor and Pablo Alves moments later saw several players and officials cautioned, before Hibernians created a rare opening as Miullen fired into the side netting on 17 minutes.

Valletta finally broke the deadlock on 38 minutes. Sava Radic sent Aldama clear, and the forward showed composure to lob the ball over advancing goalkeeper Hugo Sacco before finishing from close range despite the attention of two defenders.

Hibernians responded through a Mailson Lima free kick that fell to Charleston, but his volley from the edge of the box drifted wide. Thaylor later came close to doubling Valletta’s lead just before the interval.

After the restart, Hibernians pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Lucas Villela twice went close — first testing Adilson Maringa from distance and later seeing a free kick flash narrowly wide. Substitute Duane Bonnici also failed to make contact with a dangerous Cleiton cross, as Valletta’s defence held firm.

Goalkeeper Adilson Maringa preserved the points with a fine late save from Lucas Caruana’s corner, ensuring Valletta claimed another vital victory to stay among the league’s frontrunners.

Match Stats

VALLETTA 1
Thaylor 38’
HIBERNIANS 0

• Venue: Tony Bezzina Stadium
• Referee: [Insert referee name if available]
• Goals: Thaylor 38’ (VAL)
• Yellow Cards: Multiple (following first-half altercation)
• Red Cards: None

Line-ups

Valletta:
Adilson Maringa, Sava Radic, Jake Azzopardi, Shaft Brewer, Yannick Yankam, Jefferson, Yuri Messias, Aldama, Jackson Mendoza, Thaylor, Evandro Gomes.
Coach: Thane Micallef

Hibernians:
Hugo Sacco, Charleston, Bjorn Kristensen, Pablo Alves, Mailson Lima, Miullen, Pedro Cacho, Lucas Villela, Duane Bonnici, Cleiton, Lucas Caruana.
Coach: Branko Nisevic