Hibernians emerged winners from a direct encounter against Gżira United following another solid performance from the Paolites. They were marshalled by a fantastic Jake Grech who was dominant all the way through, scoring two goals and providing another assist.  

This was match between the two main challengers along with Hamrun last season, finishing third and second respectively.

And also two teams involved in European competitions in the past weeks. After suffering an early exit from the UEFA Champions League Hibs bounced back with a 7-2 aggregate win on SS Folgore. And they were very near in making history losing 2-4 on aggregate to Riga FC following a controversial second leg in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

On the other hand the Maroons eliminated UE Sant Julia of Andorra following the penalty shoot-out in the UEFA Europa Conference League. In the following round they had to bow their heads to Croatain side Rijeka.

For Hibernians coach Stefano Sanderra was suspended with Degabriele and Vella starting the match on the bench.

Hibernians did the early running and it was no surprise when on 13 minutes they took the lead. Following a free kick from just outside the area which was blocked by the Maroons rearguard, the ball fell into Jake Grech’s path whose deflected shot deceived Haber and ended in the net.

Midway through the first half Gżira increased their pressure and a low drive by Correa Duarte missed by a whisker. But on 24 minutes the Maroons drew level. A Steve Pisani free kick from the right side was perfectly met by Maxwell Maia who headed home.

Nearing the end of the first half the Paolites could have regained the lead but Domoraud with only Haber to beat was anticipated on time by the Gżira custodian.

Hibernians started the second half with a bang when on 50 minutes they regained the lead. It was a long through ball by Izquier who perfectly set Jake Grech with the Hibernians midfielder slotting home in style.

On the other end five minutes later a low shot by Correa Duarte was saved by Kone. But it was Hibernians who sealed the issue sixteen minutes from the end. It was another well executed goal with Grech now turning supplier finding Apap near the far post who headed into the net.

Gżira tried to break the opposing defence in order to save the match but they only had to offer a headed effort by Maia three minutes from time which sailed just over the bar.