Valletta handed rivals Floriana their first defeat in the YoHealth Malta Premier Opening Round as they defeated them 2-0 at the National Stadium on Tuesday.

Valletta therefore take move top, at least temporarily, on eight points together with Hamrun Spartans, one ahead of Hibernians, Floriana and Sliema Wanderers. 

Charles M’Mombwa was sent off for Floriana after just nine minutes. 

Yuri Messias put the Citizens ahead on 59 minutes and after Mattia Veselji was also sent off on 88 minutes, Valletta doubled the score through Andrei Ciolacu four minutes in added time.