360Sports Malta Premier, Tony Bezzina Stadium, Paola
HIBERNIANS 2
Villela 15, 54
MOSTA 0
Lucas Villela found the net in each half as Hibernians returned to winning ways with a solid 2-0 victory over Mosta in the 360Sports Malta Premier Closing Round, First Phase at the Tony Bezzina Stadium in Paola.
The result lifts the Paolites to third place in the standings, just two points behind joint leaders Ħamrun Spartans and Floriana, keeping their title hopes alive.
Branko Nisevic’s side delivered a composed and dominant performance to secure their fourth win of the Closing Round. Meanwhile, Mosta’s struggles continued as they suffered their fourth defeat, leaving them eighth in the table with just nine points.
Hibernians started brightly and produced the first real chance of the match after 10 minutes. Bjorn Kristensen picked out Federico Falcone between the lines, but the Argentine forward fired his effort over the bar. Moments later, Villela tested the Mosta goalkeeper with a powerful shot, only to be denied by a brilliant save.
The pressure soon paid off when Falcone whipped in a precise low cross, allowing Villela to pounce with a fierce strike into the far corner, giving Hibernians a deserved lead. Mosta attempted to grow into the game, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances before halftime.
Trailing by a goal, Mosta made attacking changes, introducing Jamie Scerri and Eric Chukwuemeke in an attempt to shift the momentum. Their high-pressing approach pushed Hibernians deeper, and Souleymane Kone came close to equalizing, but his shot sailed over the bar.
Despite Mosta’s increased urgency, Hibernians struck again, with Villela securing his brace by converting a close-range volley. Clayton Failla tried to inspire a comeback for Mosta with a trademark long-range free-kick, but Pablo Sanchez was equal to the effort. Joshua Agyemang also had a late chance, but Sanchez stood firm to deny him.
Hibernians saw out the final moments with composure, preserving their two-goal lead and securing an important three points in their chase for the league title.
