Birkirkara claimed a commanding 3-0 victory over Żabbar St. Patrick, closing the gap to just two points behind joint leaders Ħamrun Spartans and Floriana in the 360Sports Malta Premier Closing Round, First Phase.
Despite the scoreline, Żabbar showed resilience, particularly in the first half. They created early chances, with Stefan Ilic cutting inside to fire just wide and Brian Gambarte narrowly missing the target. However, Birkirkara’s clinical finishing proved the difference.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute, when Maxuell reacted quickest to a rebound from a set-piece, netting his 18th goal of the season. Żabbar responded with an attacking change at halftime, introducing David Souza for Ilic in an effort to add more firepower. They started the second half well, with Suarez heading just wide.
However, Birkirkara remained in control and doubled their lead just before the hour mark. Maxuell won and converted a penalty, confidently dispatching his 19th goal of the campaign.
The Stripes put the game to bed in the 71st minute, when Leandro Lacunza drilled a low shot past Luca Camilleri to seal the 3-0 win. Żabbar had a late chance to pull one back through Strahinja Jovancic, but his effort was denied by Giacomo Volpe.
Birkirkara comfortably closed out the match, keeping a clean sheet and securing three vital points in front of their supporters. Meanwhile, Żabbar remain seventh in the standings with nine points.
