Valletta Deliver Strong Second Half Performance To March On Against Mtarfa

Valletta delivered a 5-0 victory to continue their unbeaten run in the final phase. Sarah Vella Barberi scored a brace, while Ylenia Grech, Anna Aloisio and Suzanne Farrugia Sacco completed the scoring.

Team Selections

Captain Dorienne Grech returned in goal. There were also changes in defence, with Rebecca Zammit and Nicole Mifsud starting in the centre, while Paula Ciappara and Corine Deguara were employed as full-backs. Kerrie Ciappara and Shania Spiteri started in midfield, while Slavina Alexandrova Peneva also returned to the starting eleven in a more advanced role. Oumayma Jelili and Angele Fenech occupied the wings, while Elisa Azzopardi was the central attacker.

Valletta’s Andressa de Souza Ramos continued her stay in goal protected by just two defenders in Sabrin Blihi and Lisa Vella. The highly offensive setup included Monique Sultana and Francesca Bartolo in the centre of midfield, while Michela Bonello Ghio and Ylenia Grech provided the width. Eduarda Martins Souza completed the attacking midfield. Captain Anna Aloisio led the attacking line while Sarah Vella Barberi and Laura Muscat provided the width.

Mtarfa Brave But Valletta Open The Scoring

Valletta dominated possession from the whistle but Mtarfa did well for most of the half to thwart attacks in the final phase of play. Anna Aloisio had a couple of opportunities to strike from distance on the turn but could not hit the target, in what set off a frustrating afternoon for the Valletta skipper in terms of goalscoring. Wherever the team managed to let off a strike, Dorienne Grech was well placed to make the save in an inspired return in goal.

Despite this, Valletta kept up the pressure. The team had a major opportunity with Monique Sultana delivering from a free-kick into a good area, but the final touch was sent wide once more. The team also had a long list of corners, but deliveries into the near post were easily dealt with by the Blues’ defence.

Mtarfa made a positive surge forward through Paula Ciappara who put in a cross but found only Andressa de Souza Ramos, despite a number of runners going forward.

With plenty of possession but no purchase in terms of goals, Valletta’s coach opted to make an early substitution. Suzanne Farrugia Sacco took to the pitch instead of Francesca Bartolo. The team continued earning more corner kicks but to no avail, while at the other end Angele Fenech won possession high up the pitch but Eduarda Martins Souza quickly recovered it.

After plenty of effort, Valletta had some luck on their side to put themselves ahead just before half-time. Sarah Vella Barberi fired the shot, which was deflected, sending the goalkeeper in the wrong direction and the ball into the bottom left corner.

Half-Time Score: Mtarfa 0 – 1 Valletta

Valletta Extend

Brandon Spiteri made one change at the break, bringing on Katya Camilleri instead of Angele Fenech, who took a knock earlier in the match. Valletta continued in their pursuit for more and managed to win a major opportunity on the hour mark with Eduarda Martins Souza winning the free-kick on the edge of the box. Laura Muscat lined up the shot, but Dorienne Grech made the low save once more.

Play continued mostly in Mtarfa’s defensive third and Valletta managed to double the lead thanks to a nicely placed effort by Ylenia Grech in the 64th minute. The number ten drifted inside on the left side of the box, before cutting inside onto her right foot to fire into the back of the net.

The Reds continued piling forward but still unable to build on their lead from more corner kicks. Lisa Vella was given an early rest by Megan La Rosa who slotted at the back.

Mtarfa were handed a glorious opportunity due to some complacency creeping into Valletta’s back line, handing possession to Slavina Alexandrova Peneva. However, in midfield and with a gaping goal, the number ten pulled the long-range attempt wide of the mark. Maria Abdilla made an appearance in midfield shortly after in replacement of Elisa Azzopardi.

Valletta sprung back into attacking momentum and found the third in the 73rd minute. With five players overloading the box, Michela Bonello Ghio fired a low ball which Anna Aloisio tapped home for the third. Mtarfa argued offside, but the goal stood.

Shania Spiteri made a burst up the pitch in attempt to create something going forward toward the final ten minutes. Mtarfa’s number twenty beat two markers, but the attack was diffused by an overcooked touch which allowed the goalkeeper to gather.

More changes followed, with Jade Azzopardi and Rachel Sultana coming on in attack for the Blues in the final minutes. Meanwhile, Valletta’s Alicia Mifsud and Kate Paula Muscat also took to the pitch in the centre of the defence and right wing, respectively.

Valletta finished the match on a high with two quick goals to round off the performance. Sarah Vella Barberi completed a brace by heading home the fourth in the 84th minute. Suzanne Farrugia Sacco completed the scoring just three minutes later firing a low shot into the bottom corner of the goal, showing good instincts to pounce on loose clearances from Mtarfa.

Sarah Vella Barberi attempted to complete the hat-trick but was denied by the crossbar. This, as play went on despite a head collision between Rebecca Zammit and Anna Aloisio, summing up the nonchalant refereeing approach that persisted throughout the match.

Final Score: Mtarfa 0 – 5 Valletta

Standings & Next Matches

Valletta take their tally to 24 points with the victory, while Mtarfa still seek their first points. Valletta will return to action on Thursday 1st February against San Gwann at the Centenary Stadium, 20:15. Meanwhile, Mtarfa will prepare themselves for the encounter against Lija Athletic, who will be buoyed by their victory over San Gwann. The Blues and Lija Athletic meet on Friday 2nd at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, 20:30.

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