Valletta strengthened their hopes of securing a Top 6 place after beating Tarxien Rainbows 3–1.

The victory leaves the Citizens in a strong position, with just a point needed from their final League Phase match against Marsaxlokk to confirm their spot in the Top 6.

Valletta controlled possession for long periods and eventually took the lead in the 26th minute. Miguel D’Alessandro fouled Mattias Ellul inside the penalty area and Yuri Messias calmly converted from the spot.

The Citizens continued to press forward and five minutes later Andrea Zammit tested Tarxien goalkeeper Andrea Cassar, who produced a good save to keep his side in the game.

Tarxien created their first real opportunity early in the second half when Nhaysson tried his luck from distance, but goalkeeper Adilson Maringa was well positioned to deal with the effort.

Valletta doubled their advantage in the 58th minute when Jake Azzopardi found Yannick Yankam inside the area, with the striker finishing clinically.

Tarxien’s task became even more difficult when Abdelrahman was shown a second yellow card and sent off.

The Citizens added a third goal on 74 minutes when Steijn Meijer set up Ahmed Adebayo, who finished with a low shot past Cassar.

Valletta nearly extended their lead further when Paiber’s inswinging effort was saved by Cassar, who then denied Meijer from the rebound.

Tarxien managed to pull a goal back in stoppage time when Marko Musulin reacted quickest to a rebound and fired the ball into the net.