Luxol began their defence of the Gatorade Knock-Out with a comfortable 9-4 win over Sliema Wanderers at the Corradino Pavilion.

The St Andrews outfit, fresh from their triumph in the Super Cup, administered most of the match and were on target through goals from Emil Raducu (2), Matthew Attard, Carl Azzopardi, Glenn Bonello, Mark Zammit, Celino Alves, Frane Despotovic and Giancarlo Sammut. Sliema Wanderers, who tried hard to contain their more quoted opponents, answered back from a Nikolay Filipov hat-trick and a goal from Aleksandar Ribic.

Valletta recovered from their Super Cup upset as they routed newcomers Tarxien 16-2. Their latest acquisition Raphael Felipe Ortiz de Oliveira was the Citizens’ inspirational player as he netted seven goals. Jovica Milijic, Melvin Borg, Dylan Musu and Xavier Saliba hit a double while Denis di Maio completed the score for Valletta. Preston Ellul and Joseph Meilak reduced the arrears for Tarxien.

Last year’s runners-up, Hamrun also progressed to the next round after a comfortable 9-1 victory over Qormi. Hamrun, who had a relatively new team from last year, dominated the match from the word go and found the net through new Brazilian recruit Everton Veve who notched a hat-trick. On the other hand, Daniele De Gennaro hit the target twice while Florin Anton, Alex Ellul, Luke Stivala and Frank Paul Azzopardi completed the score for Hamrun.

Meanwhile, University of Malta, Swieqi, Marsaskala and Msida also eased their way into the last eight of the Gatorade KO after winning their respective encounters.

University of Malta and Swieqi registered the biggest scores after having the better of Mrieħel and Żurrieq Wolves 9-3 respectively. The University students, formerly known as Mdina Knights, had Leo Muscat helping himself with four goals as Djordje Maksimovic, Rodney Debono, Andrea Farrugia, Gaetano Gesualdi and Aidan Caruana also found the net.

Msida managed to overcome the stiff challenge of Qrendi 6-2. The team led by Kevin Agius, had Liam Cachia in fine form as he netted a poker while Ryan Xuereb and Claudio Venuto added their tally. Robert Baldacchino and Antonello Brincat reduced the score for Qrendi.

Marsaskala, on their second season of participation in the local futsal competitions, saw off Swieqi Under 21 5-1. Justin Mifsud scored a brace while Ryan Mifsud, Paolo Caetano and Liam Gauci were also on the mark for the Southerners. Swieqi Under 21 scored their consolation goal through Lydon Baldacchino.