Balzan:…………. 0
Marsaxlokk:…. 3
Marsaxlokk continued their impressive form with a commanding 3-0 victory over Balzan, marking their third consecutive win in the Closing Round. With a well-structured performance, Marsaxlokk proved too strong for Balzan, controlling the game and securing three vital points while keeping a clean sheet.
Balzan had the first opportunity to break the deadlock in the 7th minute when Triston Caruana unleashed a long-range shot, forcing Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Matthew Calleja Cremona into an impressive save. Marsaxlokk quickly responded with a chance of their own in the 11th minute when Jose Arias broke into the box from the left but missed the target.
Marsaxlokk were rewarded for their attacking persistence in the 13th minute. Alex Gomes was brought down in the box, prompting referee Philip Farrugia to award a penalty. Yuri Messias stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick to give Marsaxlokk the lead.
Balzan tried to respond, but their efforts were hindered when Benjamin Hili received a yellow card in the 32nd minute for handling the ball. Marsaxlokk, meanwhile, kept pressing, with Arias creating another chance in the 36th minute, only for Balzan goalkeeper Danilo Golovic to deny him with a solid save. Shortly before the half-time whistle, Marsaxlokk’s Nikolai Muscat was shown a yellow card for a foul on Balzan’s Akpan.
Marsaxlokk started the second half with intensity, creating danger just two minutes in when Jorge Soares delivered a cross from the right, but Balzan’s defender Nemanja Kerkez cleared the danger. Balzan had an opportunity to equalise in the 49th minute after being awarded a penalty for a foul by Gomes. However, Akpan’s spot kick was brilliantly saved by Calleja Cremona, preserving Marsaxlokk’s lead. In the 68th minute, Marsaxlokk doubled their advantage. Gomes rose above the Balzan defence to meet a well-placed cross and headed the ball past Golovic to make it 2-0.
Marsaxlokk continued to control the game, and in the 74th minute, Messias struck again to seal the victory. A well-orchestrated attacking move saw him find the back of the net for the team’s third goal.
Despite multiple substitutions from Balzan, they struggled to create meaningful chances. In the 88th minute, Marsaxlokk came close to scoring a fourth when Kukhianidze capitalised on a defensive error but missed the target. As the game approached the final whistle, Marsaxlokk remained in full control, showing composure and defensive discipline to maintain their clean sheet and secure the victory.
Marsaxlokk’s comprehensive performance highlighted their consistency and growing confidence as they continued their strong campaign. With solid defensive organisation and clinical finishing, they ensured Balzan were unable to respond. The win leaves Marsaxlokk with momentum and sets them up well for future encounters.
Full-time: Balzan 0-3 Marsaxlokk
Man of the Match: Yuri Messias (Marsaxlokk)
Referee: Philip Farrugia
Team Line-ups
Balzan:
Danilo Golovic (GK), Nemanja Kerkez (81’ Westendorf), Samir Arab (C), Triston Caruana, Benjamin Hili (32’ YC), Olutwatobiloba Awosanya, Luka Jankovic (81’ Pulis), Luka Lukovic, Victor Blanch Lorenz, Repo Tercious Malepe (66’ YC, 81’ Grech), Udoyen Akpan (68’ Busuttil)
Marsaxlokk:
Matthew Calleja Cremona (GK), Diver Torres Quinones, Karl Micallef, Jorge Soares (90’ Żammit Maniscalco), Nikolai Muscat (41’ YC), Yuri Messias (90’ Cremona), Jose Arias (90’ Galea), Martin Adamec (50’ YC), Lucas Lopez (79’ Kukhianidze), Alex Gomes (73’ Corbalan), Leandro Aguirre (C)
