YoHealth Malta Premier 2025/26
Opening Round – MD3
Valletta…………….3
Marsaxlokk……….1
As promised following their draw against Ħamrun Spartans, Valletta secured their first win of the season in emphatic fashion, defeating Marsaxlokk 3-1. It was a statement performance from Thane Micallef’s side, one that suggests the newly promoted club may be setting their sights higher than mere survival in the top flight.
On the other hand, this result marked Marsaxlokk’s first setback of the campaign, bringing an end to their perfect start after two wins in their opening two fixtures.
After a cagey, goalless first half, Valletta burst into life just one minute into the second period. Thaylor Aldama, who would go on to be named Man of the Match, made a dazzling run down the flank before delivering a pinpoint cross that found Jefferson de Assis, who calmly slotted home to open the scoring.
The momentum stayed firmly with Valletta, and just six minutes later, they doubled their lead. Once again, it was Aldama providing the assist, with Yuri Messias on hand to convert and put the Citizens in a commanding position.
Marsaxlokk managed to halve the deficit in the 64th minute through a close range tap in from Minala, reigniting hopes of a comeback. However, Valletta remained composed and continued to push forward, eventually sealing the victory through Yannick Yankam, whose low strike made it 3–1 and sent the large Valletta support into celebration.
Valletta: Adilson Dos Santos, Steve Borg, Brandor Paiber (R. Muscat 90+5′), Yannick Yankam (T. Melilo 90+5′) , Keith Brewer Jr, Neil Micallef, Yuri Messias (A. Zammit 88′), Sava Radic, Thaylor Aldama (E. Gomes 90+5′), Jefferson De Assis, Jackson Mendoza (J. Azzopardi 79′)
Marsaxlokk: Christoffer Mafoumbi, Oualid El Hasni, Nikolai Muscat, Ulises Arias (A. Majok 68′), Juan Carlos Corbalan, Ailton Soares (E. Attard 88′), James Vella (T. Caruana 68′), Joseph Minala (N. Portelli 81′), Leandro Aguirre, Redon Mihana, Marcelo Barros
Referee: Ezekiel Barbara
