Champions Valletta missed the chance to open a three-point lead over Hibs at the top after being held to a goalless draw by Europa League chasers Sliema Wanderers on Saturday.

The Citizens are now one point clear of Hibs after the latter slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Birkirkara in Saturday’s opening match.

Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza’s goal late in the first half gave Birkirkara three important points and put their title challenge back on track after the Stripes had suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Wanderers in their opening Champion-ship Pool match.

Tarxien Rainbows also boun-ced back from their 3-0 upset to Hibs after beating Mosta by the same scoreline.

Brazilian striker Daniel Mariano Bueno stole the show for Tarxien after scoring a hat-trick that keeps Tarxien firmly in contention for a Europa League spot.

In the Relegation Pool, Qormi atoned for their 2-1 upset to Rabat Ajax with a 2-0 victory over bottom side Melita.

Moises Avila Perez and Edison Bilbao Zarate scored Qormi’s goals in the first half.

Ħamrun Spartans strengthened their survival hopes after coming from behind to beat Rabat Ajax 2-1.

Malcolm Licari gave Rabat the lead late in the first half but the Spartans overturned the deficit with goals from Adrian Borg and David Camilleri, the latter hitting a fine winner from a flag-kick five minutes from time.

Floriana and Balzan figured in a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Igor Coronado opened the scoring for Floriana with a perfectly-flighted lob on 66 minutes but Ryan Darmanin foiled his former team after levelling matters for Balzan with a rising shot 18 minutes from time.

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