360Sports Malta Premier League – Bottom 6
Marsaxlokk…….2
Zabbar St Patrick……..2
Marsaxlokk salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against Zabbar St. Patrick at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, bringing an exciting end to the Bottom 6 phase of the 360Sports Malta Premier Opening Round on Sunday.
The result had significant implications for Zabbar, who entered the match just one point ahead of Naxxar Lions and four clear of Balzan in the fight to avoid the bottom two positions. With Naxxar suffering defeat against Balzan, Zabbar only needed to match Naxxar’s result to secure safety. In the end, earning a point against Marsaxlokk was a welcome bonus.
Marsaxlokk struck first through Alex Tanque, who found the net just before halftime to give his side a 1-0 lead. Zabbar responded strongly after the break, equalizing on 58 minutes through Brian Gambarte, whose composed finish brought them back into the game.
Zabbar’s resurgence continued when Strahinja Jovancic turned the game on its head, scoring to make it 2-1 and putting his team on course for victory.
However, the drama wasn’t over. Deep into added time, Marsaxlokk were awarded a penalty, and Yuri Messias stepped up to convert with nerves of steel, ensuring the match ended in a 2-2 stalemate.
Context and Implications
For Zabbar, the draw capped off a tense final day of the Opening Round. Despite the late setback, the result ensured they stayed ahead of Naxxar and avoided the bottom two positions, sparing them from the immediate danger of relegation playoffs.
Marsaxlokk, meanwhile, showcased resilience in fighting back for a point, with Messias’s late penalty highlighting their determination. The draw leaves both teams looking ahead to the next phase of the competition, where the stakes will only get higher.
This match exemplified the high stakes and unpredictability of the Bottom 6 battle, a reminder of the fierce competition across all tiers of the Malta Premier League.
