Mosta produced the biggest upset of MatchDay 1 in the VBet Malta Premier as they defeated Ħamrun Spartans 2-0 at the Centenary Stadium.

Thiago Espindola put the Blues ahead after just four minutes, while Giancarlo Goncalves sealed the victory with a spectacular second-half strike to give Mosta three valuable points from their opening match.

It was a disciplined performance from Mosta, who defended resolutely throughout and took full advantage of their opportunities.

For Ħamrun, it was a disappointing start to the campaign. The Spartans struggled to create clear openings in the first half and, although they improved after the interval, they were unable to convert several chances. Their wastefulness ultimately proved costly.

Mosta stunned their opponents with an early opener after four minutes. Following a free-kick routine, Espindola was played into the area and the Brazilian produced a powerful finish which gave Ħamrun goalkeeper Mathias Debono no chance.

The Spartans attempted to respond and came close on 12 minutes when Shaisen Attard’s effort narrowly missed the upright.

Mosta were forced into an early change after 19 minutes, with Emanuel Ugwu replacing the injured Sasha Cachia.

Ħamrun continued to look for an equaliser and Ante Coric tried his luck from distance on 21 minutes, but his effort sailed just over the crossbar.

The Spartans appealed for a penalty 15 minutes later, claiming that Espindola had handled the ball while attempting to block a cross from Compri. Referee did not award a penalty, and the decision remained unchanged following a Football Video Support review.

Ħamrun went close again three minutes before half-time. Attard delivered a corner and Lucas Villela’s effort took a deflection before going narrowly wide.

Mosta had the final opportunity of the opening half when Prince Afriye’s shot was turned behind for a corner by Debono.

Ħamrun coach Marco Amelia made a double substitution at the interval, bringing on Vincenzo Polito and Damir Ceter for Jack Ipalibo and Villela.

Ceter almost made an immediate impact. The Colombian striker turned past his marker but sent his shot narrowly wide.

The Spartans continued to press and came close on 56 minutes when Attard picked out Jake Grech at the far post. The Malta international’s effort was turned behind by Mosta goalkeeper Akpan, with the crossbar also coming to the Blues’ assistance.

Eight minutes later, Ryan Camenzuli delivered a cross towards Ceter, but the striker’s header was too central to seriously trouble Akpan.

Ħamrun should have drawn level on 65 minutes when Ceter set up Guillaumier in a central position, but the midfielder fired over the crossbar.

Against the run of play, Mosta doubled their advantage.

Camenzuli lost possession cheaply and Giancarlo Goncalves seized the opportunity, charging forward before unleashing a fierce drive which flew past Debono.

The Spartans continued to search for a way back into the match and were desperately unlucky not to reduce the deficit on 79 minutes. Coric’s inswinging delivery struck both the crossbar and upright before being cleared by the Mosta defence.

Mosta held firm during the closing stages to preserve their clean sheet and complete a memorable 2-0 victory.

The result gives the Blues an ideal start to the new campaign, while Ħamrun will have to improve considerably in front of goal after failing to make their pressure count against a well-organised Mosta side.