Balzan failed to get maximum points from their match against Naxxar Lions thus remaining in the mix of the relegation issue. It was a match which saw Balzan playing for long stretches with ten man before late on their opponents also had a player sent off.  

Naxxar Lions went into this game following a win against Hibernians whereas for Balzan this was their eigth match without a win.

For this match Balzan had two important players suspended, defender Nikola Braunovic and midfielder Triston Caruana.

In the first round match Naxxar Lions emerged winners by a 2-1 scoreline.

On 16 minutes Ivan Bozovic was caught elbowing Edson Farias with the match official promptly sending him for an early shower.

And Naxxar took the lead on 21 minutes when a Neil Pace Cocks free kick was met by Edson Cerqueira Farias who headed into the net.

Balzan saved the match twenty minutes from the end when it was Aleksandar Katanic who found the net.

Eight minutes from the end Naxxar Lions were reduced to ten man when Elizeu Esperito Santo was given the marching orders.