Santa Lucia came back from two goals down to level matters but Hibernians notched the winner mid-way through the second half to win 3-2 at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Saturday.
Hibernians, therefore, claimed the three points after the fine win over Gzira United while Santa Lucia suffered their second defeat.
The Paolites took the lead after just five minutes when Giannis Bastianos took advantage of an erratic clearance by a defender and beat goalkeeper Celio with a fine curved shot from the right.
Hibernians doubled the score on the 18th minute, once again thanks to Giannis Bastianos, who hit home off an assist by Rodney Antwi from the left.
Hibs could have added another two minutes later when they were awarded a penalty after Luiz Enrique Guedes was brought down by Patrick de Oliveira inside the area but Rodney Antwi’s effort from the penalty spot was neutralised by Celio.
Seven minutes in the second half, Santa Lucia reduced the gap through Lucas Sena Silva who hit home after a Tatsuro Nagamatsu effort was partially saved by Ibrahim Kone.
Four minutes later, Santa Lucia equalised thanks to a fine Adam Bradshaw effort which beat the Hibernians goalkeeper.
However, the Paolites regained the lead thanks to a goal by Jurgen Degabriele following a good run and a cross by Rodney Antwi.