Lucas Villela found the net in both halves as Hibernians secured a solid win over Mosta, returning to winning ways in the Closing Round.
The victory moves the Paolites up to third in the standings, just two points behind joint leaders Hamrun Spartans and Floriana, keeping them firmly in the title race. Branko Nisevic’s team delivered a composed and dominant display to earn their fourth win of the phase.
Meanwhile, Mosta’s struggles continued with their fourth defeat, leaving them in eighth place with just nine points.
Hibernians started on the front foot and nearly opened the scoring after 10 minutes when Bjorn Kristensen set up Federico Falcone, but the Argentine forward fired his shot over the bar. Moments later, Villela tested the Mosta goalkeeper with a powerful strike, only to be denied by a brilliant save.
The Paolites’ pressure eventually paid off when Falcone whipped in a precise low cross, allowing Villela to strike into the far corner and give Hibernians a well-deserved lead.
Mosta attempted to find a way back into the game but struggled to create clear-cut chances before halftime. Trailing by a goal, they introduced Jamie Scerri and Eric Chukwuemeke for the second half, replacing James Arthur who had been booked earlier and Joao Teixeira. The substitutions injected energy into the team as they adopted a high-pressing approach, pushing Hibernians deeper.
Souleymane Kone had a great chance to equalize with a close-range effort, but his shot sailed over the bar. Despite Mosta’s increased urgency, it was Hibernians who doubled their advantage, with Villela volleying home from close range to seal his brace.
Clayton Failla tried to spark a comeback with a trademark long-range free kick, but Pablo Sanchez reacted well to make the save. Joshua Agyemang also came close, attempting to squeeze a shot past Sanchez, but the Hibernians goalkeeper stood firm to deny him.
In the final stages, Hibernians managed the game efficiently, maintaining their two-goal lead and ensuring a comfortable three points.