The final matchday of Season 2023-24 was set to provide an exciting four-way battle between Balzan, Gzira U, Santa Lucia and Mosta in order retain their status in the Premier League for another season, avoiding the 11th place and join Valletta, Sirens and Gudja U for relegation to the Challenge League.
All four matches kicked off simultaneously at 7pm. Balzan had to face Marsaxlokk at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, while Gzira U face Floriana at the National Stadium, Sta Lucia face Birkirkara at the Centenary Stadium and Mosta face Naxxar Lions at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.
Balzan needed just a point from their match against Marsaxlokk to assure themselves of another season in the top flight. On the other hand, Marsaxlokk, had nothing to play for as they were already assured of finishing in fourth place, and hope that either Floriana or Sliema Wanderers win the FA Trophy so that they can qualify for the UEFA Conference League.
Balzan came out looking for an early goal when Olivier Rommens saw his first attempt saved by goalkeeper Matthew Calleja Cremona.
In the 13th minute, Paul Fenech saw his attempt finish just high over the crossbar.
In the 20th minute, Marsaxlokk had their first attempt to goal through Yuri De Jesus Messias but his effort finished high.
In the 39th minute, Balzan took the lead when Jan Busuttil dribbled past his marker, setting up OLIVIER ROMMENS who fired the ball past goalkeeper Calleja Cremona and into the top corner.
In the 44th minute, Balzan had another chance when a shot by George Blackwood finished just wide.
The first half finished with Balzan leading 1-0.
In the 54 minute, an attempt by Leandro Aguirre finished just high over the crossbar.
In the 83rd minute, A direct freekick taken by Triston Caruana finished high.
Balzan managed to preserve their one-goal lead till the end, finishing in the eight place on 34 points with 8 victories and 10 draws and retained their place in the Premier League.
Finally, after 90 minutes of drama, Balzan, Gzira U, and Mosta, all won their encounters while Santa Lucia who seemed to be heading for a decisive victory against Birkirkara, suffered a late equaliser pushing them towards relegation to the Challenge League.
MARSAXLOKK: Matthew Calleja Cremona, Weder Soares Da Silva, Karl Micallef (Jacob Walker 46’), Nikolai Muscat (Diego Pires dall’Ora 72’), Yuri De Jesus Messias, Duane Bonnici (Samuel Boakye 62’), Leandro Aguirre, Nikola Raden, Ryan Scicluna (Anthony Abah Obonogwu 85’), Sunday Akinbule (Nevin Portelli 72’), Jose Fernando Gomes Junior.
BALZAN: Danilo Golovic, Ivan Bozovic, Andre Prates, Triston Caruana, Paul Fenech (Marcus Grima 91’), Jan Busuttil (Aleksa Andrejic 91’), Ryohei Michibuchi, Nikola Zerjal, Nikola Braunovic, Olivier Rommens, George Blackwood.
Referee: Andrea Sciriha.
BOV Player of the game: Yuri De Jesus Messias (Marsaxlokk)