YoHealth Malta Premier 2025/26 – Matchday 32 closing round
Valletta ………………2
Ħamrun Spartan…….1
Valletta produced a strong second-half turnaround to defeat champions Ħamrun Spartans 2-1 at the National Stadium, after spending much of the opening period under pressure.
Ħamrun started on the front foot and created the first clear opportunity after three minutes, when Garcia forced Adilson into a fine save.
Six minutes later, the Spartans threatened again from a corner, with Marcelina rising well to meet the delivery, although his header caused no major problem for the Valletta goalkeeper.
In the 22nd minute, another Ħamrun attack saw Johnny combine with Ceter on the right, but Adilson was again alert to keep out the effort.
The champions went even closer in the 32nd minute following an excellent move down the left. Mbong picked out Ceter, whose powerful strike came back off the upright.
Valletta’s only real attempt of the first half arrived in added time, when Meijer tried his luck from distance, but his shot finished wide.
Ħamrun thought they had taken the lead four minutes after the restart when Johnny’s low cross found Guillaumier, who fired into the net. However, the goal was ruled out following an FVS review.
That moment proved a turning point. Valletta reacted with greater belief and took the lead in the 53rd minute through substitute Usuga Mendoza, who produced an excellent finish which left Bonello with no chance.
Ħamrun responded quickly and levelled four minutes later. Compri found space on the right and drove a low shot past Adilson after the Valletta goalkeeper had only managed to parry the initial effort.
The Spartans remained dangerous and, in the 80th minute, another neat move released Mbong on the right, but his shot went wide.
A minute later, Valletta came close at the other end when efforts from Ahmed Basher and Brandon Paiber were blocked as the Ħamrun defence scrambled the ball away.
Valletta continued to push forward and were rewarded soon after. Ahmed Basher rose from close range to head home the decisive goal and complete an impressive win for the Citizens.
Player of the Match – Jackson Mendoza (Valletta)
Referee – Fyodor Zammit
