With the Premier League trophy safely locked in their cabinet, Valletta have now switched their attention to the FA Trophy and the alluring prospect of winning the Double.
As new champions, Valletta are regarded among the favourites to go all the way in the KO competition but they have to see off a formidable obstacle in the shape of Birkirkara this evening (kick-off 7.30) to book their place in Saturday's final.
If Valletta, 11-times winners of the FA Trophy, are spurred on by a desire to burnish their status as the top team in Maltese football by capturing the cup, Birkirkara, who won the KO for the third time in 2005, go into this semi-final with a steely resolve to advance and make sure of a UEFA Cup spot.
All these factors plus the intense rivalry between the fans of these two clubs point to another thrilling showdown between Birkirkara and Valletta who have produced high-octane fare in all four of their league meetings this season.
Perhaps, Valletta's determination to taste success in the KO competition has also been fuelled by the two defeats they suffered in their last two league outings, especially Saturday's 4-0 upset to Marsaxlokk.
Valletta coach Paul Zammit declared himself unhappy with the drop in his team's performance level but claimed that this was to be expected after they sealed the title with three matches to spare.
"Before the last two league games, I noticed a collective dip in the squad's concentration levels," Zammit told The Times. "I wouldn't say that the players became too relaxed but winning the title before our last league game certainly relieved the pressure on them.
"I'm disappointed that we've lost our last two matches. Our performance against Sliema was worse than in the 4-0 defeat to Marsaxlokk because in the first game, we just didn't react. Against Marsaxlokk, we tried to fight back and created some chances but we then lost the battle in midfield after being reduced to ten men.
"The most important thing now is that we do our best to minimise the ill-effects of Saturday's game, both physically and psychologically. This is a semi-final of the FA Trophy and the occasion itself is enough to motivate the players. Reaching the final would make up for the negative results in our last league matches."
Justin Grioli cannot play a part today as he is suspended following his red card against Marsaxlokk. Zammit is also sweating over the fitness of Nigerian striker Frank Temile and Kenneth Scicluna, both struggling with ankle injuries.
Valletta had the better of Hibs, winners of the FA Trophy for the past two years, in the quarter-finals while Birkirkara moved past Marsaxlokk.
Birkirkara coach John Buttigieg has a full squad at his disposal. Whereas Valletta played their last game only three days ago, the Stripes have had a full week to prepare as their last league match, against Ħamrun, was last Tuesday.
Coach Buttigieg dismissed the suggestion that Birkirkara might have an edge over Valletta because they have had more time to rest.
"I don't think that the recovery factor will have any effect on the outcome of this semi-final," he said.
Valletta's 4-0 loss to Marsaxlokk may have hurt their morale but Buttigieg is wary of a backlash from the Citizens.
Buttigieg said: "Valletta may have lost to Marsaxlokk but that upset will strengthen their motivation to win this semi-final."
Given that Floriana and Ħamrun, the two other teams who met in yesterday's first semi-final, don't have a UEFA licence, an unprecedented scenario may arise at the end of the competition.
The rules are somewhat complicated but indications from the Malta FA are that Birkirkara would qualify for the UEFA Cup even if they lose in the final, provided they beat Valletta today.
Buttigieg is hopeful that Birkirkara win the cup to allay the uncertainty.
"We will do our best to win the Trophy and claim one of the top honours in local football but also to guarantee ourselves a place in the UEFA Cup," the Birkirkara coach said.
Head-to-head record this season: Valletta vs Birkirkara 1-0, 2-1, 1-1, 2-1.