Marsaxlokk’s dreams of a Top Six finish were dashed in dramatic fashion after Federico Falcone scored an 81st-minute equalizer for Hibernians, ending Marsaxlokk’s last chance to secure a place in the upper tier.
Despite a rough start to the season with five consecutive losses, Marsaxlokk had clawed their way back to within reach of the Top Six. However, a single point in this final game wasn’t enough, as they ultimately finished in eighth place, with Ħamrun Spartans’ late 2-1 victory over Gżira United sealing their fate.
From the outset, Marsaxlokk showed signs of nerves. Federico Falcone, a constant threat for Hibernians, struck the post early on. Marsaxlokk’s goalkeeper, Marco Drobnjak, pulled off a remarkable save moments later to deny Jurgen Degabriele’s acrobatic attempt at the near post.
Marsaxlokk struck first, however, scoring against the run of play with their very first attack. In the 27th minute, a well-placed corner from Leandro Aguirre found Alex Gomes in the box. The Brazilian striker capitalized on a defensive mix-up, slotting the ball home to give Marsaxlokk the lead and raise hopes in the stands.
Knowing they were vulnerable if Ħamrun Spartans scored, Marsaxlokk pushed on, but Hibernians remained resolute. Just after the break, Giannis Bastianos unleashed a powerful shot that was blocked again by Drobnjak, Marsaxlokk’s hero in goal.
Then came devastating news: Gżira United had taken the lead against Ħamrun, threatening Marsaxlokk’s position. In response, Hibernians made a triple substitution as Branko Nisevic sought fresh momentum, bringing on Miullen Felicio Carvalho, Bjorn Kristensen, and Alex Bruno to turn up the pressure.
As Hibernians pressed forward, Falcone sent a header over the bar from Khevin Fraga’s cross in the 70th minute, a warning sign of things to come. With only nine minutes left, Falcone finally broke through, meeting Bruno Silva’s cross with a decisive header that sent Marsaxlokk’s fans into stunned silence.
Unable to find a second goal in the final minutes, Marsaxlokk were forced to settle for a draw, leaving their Top Six ambitions out of reach.