Valletta were crowned Malta champions on Sunday. With Hibs surprisingly losing their match against Birkirkara the previous day, the citizens needed just one point to make sure, but they did more. In fact, they beat the Wanderers comfortably 3-0 to give a great start to their celebrations – in their own unique style. In the Championship Pool, only the third place issue is still to be decided, but the Relegation Pool is far from over, and it may have to be extended to the last day to determine who will be joining Marsaxlokk in next year’s first division.

Henry Brincat takes a look at what happened the past weekend.

What was predicted last summer, before the season started, was confirmed on Sunday. Valletta had been targeted as favourites for another league victory before the competition started. On Sunday they made sure that the prediction would be honoured by beating Sliema comfortably, thus securing their 21st league title.

Such a title victory seemed inevitable even if Hibernians doggedly kept fighting even when the odds seemed to be heavily stacked against them.

I am saying this because Valletta had all the elements available – including a massive list of nine foreign players – in their ‘huge’ squad.

I consider City’s biggest assets this season were once again the coach, Jesmond Zerafa, and the squad at his disposal.

I do not think anyone will question the worth, at least in the domestic scene, of City’s squad. There was simply the best talent available in Maltese football. And that is why they have been so superior to all the others.

As to Jesmond Zerafa, one must admire the way he kept the side getting positive results so consistently, having their colours lowered only once, at least so far – there are still two matches to go.

Zerafa certainly provided his players with the motivation they needed when things started to go in a different manner than that which they themselves had expected.

Valletta have been a superior outfit to the rest this season, but there were occasions when the boat was rocked and it seemed as if the side was suffering the consequences. Yet, thanks to Zerafa’s leadership, the players were able to make up quickly – that is where the citizens really stood up to their task.

I keep saying that nine foreign players were perhaps too much for a local side when everyone is aware that any team must make use of only four in any time during a league match.

Yet, everyone must admit that City’s foreigners proved to be a veritable asset as Zerafa was able to shift tactics depending on the opposition being faced on the field of play.

Moreover, I cannot fail to say that the local talent in the side is obviously and, without doubt, the best on the island. In its majority, the side consisted of local players and it is no wonder that most of them are regulars in the Maltese national team.

Well done Valletta. It is obvious that they will now turn their focus on the FA Trophy for a memorable double.

The race for the third place is still on with Floriana leading Birkirkara by one point with two matches to go. However, as has already been said, this ‘battle’ has lost much of its significance because the two teams are assured of a berth in the Europa League next season.

Hibernians lost all their hopes on Saturday as they were grounded by the nine-man Birkirkara side.

Despite the red cards shown to Rowen Muscat and Nikolai Vukanac, the Stripes still emerged surprise winners over Hibernians.

Mark Miller’s boys must have been aware – live everybody else after all - that a miracle was needed to win the championship. But I expected something better against a nine-man team rather than such a pathetic performance which led to an unexpected defeat.

It is the relegation battle that is still undecided. With Qormi making sure of their status among next season’s elite with a 6-0 runaway victory over Hamrun Spartans, one other team from Hamrun, Tarxien, Mosta and Mqabba is to accompany Marsaxlokk into next season’s first division.

Hamrun must regroup quickly after their crushing 6-0 defeat at the hands of Qormi. They should now make amends in their next match against Tarxien where a point might suffice to retain their Premier status for at least another season.

It is Mosta and Mqabba who are precariously placed in this battle against relegation. It has become a must for both of them to win their forthcoming matches – Mosta against Marsaxlokk and Mqabba against Qormi.

With two matches to go, Hamrun are the better placed with 25 points. They are followed by Tarxien on 24 while Mosta and Mqabba have 21 points each.

This is the remaining programme of matches for each side:

Hamrun S.: v. Tarxien R., Mqabba

Tarxien R.: v. Hamrun S., Marsaxlokk

Mosta FC: v. Marsaxlokk, Qormi

Mqabba FC: v. Qormi, Hamrun S.