Second-half goals lifted Valletta FC to a 2–1 victory over Gżira United FC at the Gozo Stadium, keeping the Citizens firmly in the race for a top-two finish in the YoHealth Malta Premier Closing Round.

It was a match of contrasting halves, with Gżira United dominating the opening period and striking the woodwork twice, only for Valletta to take control after the break and make their chances count.

Gżira started brightly and nearly opened the scoring early on when Andre Pena Da Costa unleashed a powerful drive that forced Adilson Maringa into a fine save with the help of the post. From the resulting corner, Andre again came close with an audacious backheel, but Maringa reacted quickly to deny him.

The Maroons continued to press, and Andy Borg went close midway through the half, firing just wide after creating space on the edge of the area. Their best chance came just before the interval when David Xuereb met a deflected cross, only to see his effort come back off the crossbar.

Valletta had their moments, with Yuri Messias and Andrea Zammit both testing goalkeeper Karl Sargeant, but they went into the break under pressure.

After halftime, however, Valletta emerged with renewed purpose. Brandon Paiber forced a save from Sargeant with a low free-kick, while appeals for a penalty following a blocked set-piece were waved away after a Football Video Support review.

The breakthrough arrived on 54 minutes in spectacular fashion. Messias spotted Sargeant off his line and produced an audacious lob from near midfield to give Valletta the lead.

The Citizens doubled their advantage six minutes later when Jackson Mendoza fired home a powerful shot from the edge of the area, putting them firmly in control.

Gżira attempted to respond and created late pressure, with Andre testing Maringa after a strong run. They managed to pull one back in stoppage time through substitute Maxuell Maia, who struck a powerful effort past Maringa.

However, the goal came too late to alter the outcome, as Valletta held on to secure a crucial three points and boost their push for a top-two finish.