YoHealth Malta Premier 2025/2026 Opening Round – Bottom 6 – MD15
Hibernians………………………..4
Gzira United……………………..1
Hibernians dominated proceedings and secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Gzira United, a scoreline which could easily have been more emphatic in favour of the Paolites.
Gzira United were largely disappointing throughout the encounter. With this win, Hibernians move to the top of the Bottom 6 standings on 23 points, overtaking Gzira United, who drop to second place on 22 points. Both sides have already secured safety and will not finish in the bottom two positions of the Opening Round.
The first clear chance of the match arrived in the 14th minute when Gzira United came close to opening the scoring following a cross from the left by Marc Van De Bovenkamp, with Fabricio Silva Virgens firing wide from close range. Two minutes later, Hibernians responded through a header by Lucas Villela, which narrowly missed the target after a cross, also from the left.
In the 28th minute, Hibernians broke the deadlock. The Paolites won possession in midfield, with Pedro Nunes Silva embarking on a fine run from the centre of the pitch before advancing and unleashing a low shot from well outside the penalty area, beating Karl Sargent to give Hibernians a 1-0 lead. It was Nunes Silva’s first goal in a Hibernians shirt.
On the 43rd minute, Hibernians produced a superb attacking move which caught Gzira United off guard. Following hesitation in the Maroons’ defence, the ball fell kindly to Lucas Villela, whose curling effort struck the upright, with Gzira United ultimately escaping further punishment.
In the second half, and on the 57th minute, Hibernians doubled their advantage after winning the ball from Gabriel Bohrer in defence. The ball eventually reached Mailson Duarte Lopes, who laid it off to Lucas Villela, and the forward calmly finished from inside the area to beat Karl Sargent for Hibernians 2-0 Gzira United.
Three minutes later, the Paolites made it 3-0. Miullen showcased excellent technique and composure, beating two Gzira United defenders before firing home from the left inside the box to cap off a fine individual effort.
Gzira United reduced the deficit in the 77th minute when a corner from the left by Johan Bonilla was met by a powerful header from Malta international Gabriel Bohrer, which beat Constantin-Laurentiu Brănescu to make it Hibernians 3-1 Gzira United.
However, Hibernians restored their three-goal advantage in the 80th minute. Mailson Duarte Lopes once again provided the assist, releasing Lucas Villela down the left, with the forward finishing low inside the area past Karl Sargent to complete his brace and seal the contest at Hibernians 4-1 Gzira United.
Man of the Match: Lucas Villela (Hibernians)
Referee: Fyodor Zammit
Line-ups:
