A goal by substitute Andrei Ciolacu mid-way through the second half handed Birkirkara a narrow win over newly-promoted Sliema Wanderers at the National Stadium on Sunday.
Alex Satariano, Adailton Queiroz de Jesus and Maxuell Maia were making their debut for the Stripes apart from Marcel Zapytowski and Jovan Pajovic who had already starred in the UEFA Europa Conference League matches against NK Maribor.
On the other hand, Sliema, who are making their return to the Premier League after winning the Challenge League title last season, had Jean Borg, Joseph Minala, Vito Plut, Gustavo Alcino, Denis Kouao and Samuel Gomes making their debut.
Birkirkara scored the all-important goal on the 68th when off a cross from the left, there was a deflection by a defender and Andrei Ciolacu tapped the ball home from close range.