Matchday 25: Valletta 1 Hibernians 1
28/02/2026
Hibernians F.C. and Valletta F.C. shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the National Stadium, a result that did little to aid either side’s ambitions of securing a Top Six place.
It marked the first match in charge for Hibernians’ new coach, Andrei Agius, yet the Paolites remain ninth on 11 points — two adrift of Naxxar Lions F.C., who still have a game in hand. Valletta threatened early on, forcing goalkeeper Adilson into a sharp save to keep out Bjorn Kristensen’s close-range header. The Hibs captain continued to dominate aerially, meeting another well-delivered corner but once again failing to find the net.
At the opposite end, Emanuel Mbende guided a header straight at Laurentiu Branescu, while Yannick Yankam saw his effort from inside the box blocked by the Hibernians keeper.
Hibernians threatened again when Mailson found space in the area, but he failed to direct his attempt on target. Just before half-time, Brandon Paiber came close to breaking the deadlock, his low strike skimming inches past the post.
Valletta began the second half on the front foot, with Yuri rattling the woodwork early after the restart. Paiber then tried his luck from distance with a free-kick, drawing a fine save from Branescu, who tipped the ball behind.
The Citizens’ sustained pressure eventually told just after the hour mark when Sava Radic converted from close range following a set-piece.
Hibernians, however, refused to back down. Miullen first tested Adilson with a drive from the edge of the area before producing a moment of magic, equalising with an acrobatic overhead kick.
The Brazilian’s celebrations proved costly. After removing his shirt, he was shown a second yellow card by referee Daniel Portelli, reducing Hibernians to ten men for the closing stages. Despite their disadvantage, the Paolites continued to press for a winner, while Valletta also carved out late opportunities, including a curling effort from Diogo Tavares that drifted narrowly wide.
Valletta sit fifth on 13 points, level with both Naxxar and Sliema Wanderers F.C., with two fixtures remaining to determine their Top Six hopes.
The contest had opened at a brisk pace, with Hibernians creating the first chance when Duane Bonnici dragged a low shot wide after a swift counter-attack from a Valletta corner.
Photo credits: Times of Malta
VALLETTA: A. Marina, S. Borg (N. Micallef), B. Painter, J. Azzopardi, S. Radic, D. Tavares, Y. Yankam (A. Zammit), A. Adebayo (S. Meijer), E. Mbende, Y. Messias, T. Aldama.
HIBERNIANS: C. Branescu, K. Shaw, K. Halabaku, N. Mullen, B. Kristensen (L. Caruana), C. Silva dos Santos, C. Attard, A. Diakite (A. Hamanjoda), D. Bonnici (M. Ellul), M. Lopes (C. Padilha), P. Nunez Silva.
Scorers: 60’ S. Radic (V), 75’ N. Mullen (H).
Yellow cards: S. Borg, A. Adebayo, E. Mended (V), K. Shaw, N. Mullen (H)
Red card: N. Mullen
Referee: D. Portelli
