Hibernians are the only team with maximum points in the Euro Cup thanks to a narrow win over rivals Valletta.
Jean Paul Farrugia scored the all-important goal for the Paolites while William Barbosa missed the opportunity to level matters for the champions.
The Citizens had Dutch goalkeeper Andre Krul making his debut while a striker from Ivory Coast – Elié Moisés Akui Ndekre – was included as a substitute for Hibernians. Missing once again were Edward Herrera, Jonathan Pearson and Edison Luis dos Santos.
Michael Mifsud had the first attempt at goal testing Mario Muscat with a shot from outside the area after just two minutes but the Hibs custodian turned the ball into a corner. Michael Mifsud then missed a good opportunity on the 13th minute when served by Steve Borg.
Hibernians however managed to take the lead on 16 minutes when a shot by Clayton Failla was partially saved by Andre Krul and Jean Paul Farrugia placed the ball at the back of the net from close range.
Off a corner by Jhonnattann from the right, Ricardo Filho went close for the Citizens on 33 minutes with an attempt which was turned into a corner by Muscat, aided by the posts. In added time, Mifsud controlled the ball inside the area but his conclusion was blocked by a defender and off the rebound, Jhonnatann hit just wide.
Marcelo Dias missed a good chance for Hibernians seven minutes on the second half when he advanced on the right but hit wide. On the 56th, a shot by Denni was partially saved by Muscat and a defender cleared the ball into safety.Four minutes later, Jhonnattan served Michael Mifsud whose shot was deflected into a corner by a defender.
Valletta were awarded a penalty on 62 minutes after Andrew Cohen handled the ball inside the area. However William Barbosa hit high from the penalty spot.
Seven minutes from time, goalkeeper Andre Krul came to the rescue for the Citizens as he blcoked a Elié Moisés Ndekre effort after he advanced all alone when released by Cohen.
VALLETTA Andre Krul, Jonathan Caruana, Steve Borg (81’ Kevin Sammut), Jhonnattann Benites da Conceicao, Ian Azzopardi (71’ Dyson Falzon), Jussellio da Silva, Roderick Briffak, Ricardo da Rocha Filho, Denni Rocha dos Santos, William Barbosa (71’ Edmond Agius), Michael Mifsud.
Subs not used: Yenz Cini, Cleavon Frendo, Dylan Grima, Ian Zammit.
Coach: Mark Miller
Asst. Coach: Gilbert Agius
HIBS Mario Muscat, Ryan Camilleri, Rodolfo Soares, Jason Vandelannoite, Adrian Pulis, Bjorn Kristensen, Andrew Cohen, Clayton Failla, Jean Paul Farrugia (63’ Elié Moisés Akui Ndekre), Marcelo Dias (56’ Steve Pisani), Triston Caruana (69’ Jackson Di Lima Siqueira).
Subs not used: Daniel Balzan, Brandon Muscat, Johann Bezzina, Keith Tanti.
Coach: Michael Woods
Asst. Coach: Richard Mercieca
Referee: Clayton Pisani
Assistant Referees: Ingmar Spiteri, William Debattista
Fourth Official: Mario Apap
Yellow Cards: Dias, Failla, Briffa, Pisani, Agius
Scorers: 16’ Jean Paul Farrugia
Attendance: 847