Floriana produced an emphatic response to their recent setbacks as they brushed aside Hibernians 4-0 to move level with Valletta at the top of the VBET Malta Premier standings.

Goals from Federico Varela, Paul Mbong, Odej and Robert Muric secured a convincing victory for Daniel Portela’s side, who bounced back from their Super Cup defeat against Valletta and a disappointing 5-2 league loss to Marsaxlokk.

The victory lifted the Greens to 13 points, level with their neighbours Valletta, as they returned to winning ways in impressive fashion.

Floriana made their intentions clear from the opening stages and almost took the lead after six minutes when Mbong set up Varela, whose effort was pushed away by Hibernians goalkeeper Matteo Cardinali.

Cardinali was called into action again six minutes later, producing another save to deny Mbong.

Hibernians suffered an early setback in the 19th minute when striker Ryder Matos Santos Silva was forced off with a muscle injury and replaced by Jurgen Degabriele.

The Paolites struggled to create opportunities against a well-organised Floriana defence, while the Greens continued to threaten at the other end.

Floriana eventually broke the deadlock in the 35th minute through a superb free-kick from Varela.

The Argentine midfielder stepped up from a central position and curled an excellent effort beyond Cardinali to give his side a deserved lead.

Portela’s team continued to press forward and doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time.

Varela turned provider with an incisive through ball which released Mbong. The Malta international showed excellent composure to lift the ball over the advancing Cardinali before slotting into an empty net.

Hibernians almost pulled a goal back in first-half stoppage time when Joseph Mbong met a cross with a downward header, but Floriana goalkeeper Cioletti produced an excellent save to turn the ball behind for a corner.

Floriana maintained their attacking momentum after the interval and threatened again in the 55th minute when Myles Beerman advanced down the left before cutting the ball back towards Odej, whose effort was deflected behind.

Hibernians thought they had reduced the deficit in the 61st minute when Degabriele fired a rebound into the top corner, but the goal was disallowed for an offside infringement in the build-up.

Two minutes later, Joseph Mbong went close after showing good footwork to beat two defenders, only to send his effort narrowly over the crossbar.

Floriana effectively put the result beyond doubt in the 69th minute when Odej added a third goal to strengthen their grip on the encounter.

The Greens continued to create opportunities despite their comfortable advantage, with Cardinali producing another fine reflex save to deny Paul Mbong’s header ten minutes from time.

However, Floriana were not finished and Muric completed the scoring in the 90th minute to seal an impressive four-goal victory.

The result provided a timely boost for Portela’s side following their recent disappointments, while Hibernians were left to reflect on a difficult afternoon against one of their direct rivals.

VBET Malta Premier – Opening Round

Hibernians 0

Floriana 4 (Federico Varela 35, Paul Mbong 45, Odej 69, Robert Muric 90)