Sliema Wanderers secured their first three points of the 2026-27 VBet Malta Premier season after beating newly promoted Birżebbuġa St Peter’s 2-1.

Nigel Robertha and Sebastian Cojocaru scored for Sliema, while Yuri Messias made history by scoring Birżebbuġa’s first-ever goal in Maltese top-flight football.

The result leaves Birżebbuġa at the bottom of the standings without a point from their opening matches, while Sliema finally opened their account under coach Branko Nisevic.

Sliema showed greater quality in possession and created enough chances to have won more comfortably, although their wastefulness in front of goal kept Birżebbuġa in contention until the final whistle.

The Saints, coached by Edgar Degabriele, showed plenty of determination, particularly after the interval, but Sliema’s greater experience and quality ultimately proved decisive.

Birżebbuġa made a positive start, with Alex Bruno and Yuri Messias both attempting efforts from distance, although neither troubled Sliema goalkeeper Henry Bonello.

Sliema then threatened through Musa Alli, whose close-range effort was blocked by Mattia Chiesa before the ball came back off the woodwork.

There was controversy after 22 minutes when Sliema midfielder Gustavo Alcino was initially shown a straight red card. However, following a Football Video Support review, the decision was overturned and Alcino was shown a yellow card instead.

Sliema took the lead in the 34th minute when Nigel Robertha reacted quickest to finish into an empty net and score the Blues’ first league goal of the campaign.

Birżebbuġa had enjoyed a promising first half but once again found themselves trailing despite their efforts.

Sliema nearly doubled their advantage before the break when Teddy Teuma saw his volley saved by Chiesa. The Malta international then tested the Birżebbuġa goalkeeper again from a free-kick, with Chiesa producing another good save.

The Saints came out strongly after the restart and began to put Sliema under sustained pressure.

Their efforts were rewarded in the 55th minute when Alex Bruno delivered a cross into the area and Yuri Messias finished from close range.

The goal was a significant moment for the newly promoted side, marking Birżebbuġa St Peter’s’ first goal in Maltese top-flight football.

Sliema almost regained the lead immediately when captain Steve Pisani struck the post directly from kick-off.

The Blues did not have to wait long, however, as Sebastian Cojocaru restored their advantage in the 61st minute. Having just come on for his Sliema debut, Cojocaru produced an excellent strike that flew past Chiesa.

Birżebbuġa tried to respond, with Messias going close again, but his effort went over the bar.

Sliema had further opportunities to put the result beyond doubt but failed to convert them, allowing Birżebbuġa to remain within striking distance.

The Saints continued to push forward in search of an equaliser, showing plenty of courage and determination, but they lacked the cutting edge required in the final third.

Sliema held on to claim their first victory of the season, while Birżebbuġa must continue their search for their first points since gaining promotion to the Premier League.