NAXXAR LIONS 2
Vitinho 66, Vinicius 79

ŻABBAR ST PATRICK 1
Cejas 50

Naxxar Lions came from behind to beat Żabbar St Patrick in a lively encounter that sparked into life after the break, with both teams pushing hard in search of their first win of the Closing Round.

Żabbar took the lead moments into the second half, but Naxxar responded with purpose, overturning the scoreline to claim a fourth win in five matches since Winston Muscat took over.

Żabbar were missing suspended duo Kean Scicluna and Ryan Scicluna, with Im Young-won and Jake Micallef returning to the starting line-up after substitute appearances against Sliema Wanderers. New signing Miro Soldo was also handed his debut.

Naxxar, meanwhile, made two changes from the side that lost to Floriana, with Cedric Kontchou coming in for Edison Farias, while Louis Pahama also made his first start.

The Lions started brightly and nearly broke the deadlock on 18 minutes when Pahama attempted an acrobatic scissor-kick that flew just over the bar. Naxxar continued to threaten, and Vinicius went close soon after as his cross-shot flashed narrowly wide of the far post.

Żabbar’s best chance of the first half arrived shortly before the interval when Mayron headed wide from a Mario Fontanella corner.

The Paolites came out with renewed energy after the restart and Pedro Cejas immediately tested Matthias Debono with a rising shot that the Naxxar goalkeeper gathered well. Cejas remained a constant menace and was soon rewarded, producing a fine solo run, rounding Debono and calmly finishing to put Żabbar ahead.

Naxxar responded on the hour mark, and Żabbar goalkeeper Ignacio Colombo was forced into a string of saves to deny Vitinho, keeping out two quick efforts before tipping another attempt over the bar. However, the Brazilian eventually got the better of Colombo, firing a low drive into the corner on 66 minutes to draw Naxxar level.

The Lions completed the turnaround on 79 minutes with a swift counter-attack. Vitinho turned provider, setting up Vinicius, who produced a delightful lob over Colombo to make it 2–1.

Żabbar pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, with Cejas sending a free-kick just wide with seven minutes remaining. In stoppage time, Debono produced a sharp block to deny Cejas once more, ensuring Naxxar held on to seal the points.