National Stadium – Saturday
360 Sports Malta Premier – Closing Round
Gzira United…………1
Hibernians FC……….4
Hibernians overturned an early deficit to secure a dominant 4-1 victory over Gzira United in the 360 Sports Malta Premier Closing Round on Saturday.
The win propels the Paolites to the top of the table, joining Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk, while Gzira United remain joint-third from the bottom.
Match Summary
Despite being reduced to ten men in the 37th minute, Gzira took the lead just before halftime. Luis Riascos was shown a straight red card for striking Apostolis Martinis, but Faysal Chouaib converted a penalty in the 44th minute after Brooklyn Borg was fouled inside the box by Pedrao.
Hibernians responded immediately after the break, equalizing in the 50th minute when Khevin Fraga fired a low shot from outside the box, which goalkeeper Cain Formosa failed to hold.
Three minutes later, Lucas Villela completed the turnaround, finishing from a tight angle on the left after a smart assist by Jurgen Degabriele.
The Paolites extended their lead in the 71st minute, with Bjorn Kristensen rising highest to head home from a corner. The victory was sealed in the 78th minute, as substitute Rui Bruno tapped in from close range off another corner.
Goalscorers:
- ⚽ 44′ (0-1) Faysal Chouaib (P)
- ⚽ 50′ (1-1) Khevin Fraga
- ⚽ 53′ (2-1) Lucas Villela
- ⚽ 71′ (3-1) Bjorn Kristensen
- ⚽ 78′ (4-1) Rui Bruno
With this result, Hibernians strengthen their title challenge, while Gzira United face an uphill battle in the relegation zone.
