Valletta came from behind twice before scoring twice in the closing stages to beat Żabbar St Patrick 4-2 in an entertaining encounter at the Tony Bezzina Stadium, earning their first three points of the season.

Thane Micallef handed starts to summer recruits Manuel Morello and Alex Tanque, while Petar Sekulovic and Bruno Gomes were named among the substitutes. Żabbar, meanwhile, handed debuts to six players in their starting line-up, including goalkeeper Patrik Mohorovic, Nicolas Lancioni, Joao Mafra, Tobias Moriceau and Adnan Basic.

Valletta made a lively start and went close after seven minutes when Roko Prsa’s free kick was well parried by Mohorovic.

Two minutes later, Tanque sent Andrea Zammit through and the Valletta forward beat Mohorovic, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

The Citizens continued to threaten and came close again on 13 minutes. Zammit capitalised on a short clearance by Mohorovic, moved to his left and struck a low shot which Strahinja Jovancic cleared off the goal line.

Against the run of play, Żabbar took the lead four minutes later. Lancioni embarked on a solo run before unleashing a powerful drive from outside the area which gave Valletta goalkeeper Adilson Maringa no chance.

Valletta restored parity on 33 minutes after Zven Polidano brought Zammit down inside the penalty area. Zammit took responsibility from the spot and calmly sent Mohorovic the wrong way.

The Saints, however, regained their advantage five minutes before half-time.

Lancioni exchanged passes with Joao Mafra before entering the area, where he was brought down by Maringa. Referee Matthew De Gabriele immediately pointed to the spot and Mario Fontanella converted to make it 2-1.

The second half began quietly, but Valletta gradually increased the pressure.

Just past the hour mark, Thaylor saw a powerful effort turned behind for a corner by Mohorovic. From the resulting set-piece, taken by Sekulovic, substitute Neil Micallef rose highest to head Valletta level once again.

The Citizens then completed their second comeback on 79 minutes when they were awarded another penalty. Substitute Bruno Gomes was brought down inside the area by Jovancic, and Zammit once again made no mistake from the spot to put Valletta 3-2 ahead.

Valletta struck again just two minutes later.

Tanque played the ball to Diogo Tavares on the left, and the latter rounded his marker before firing towards goal. Mohorovic could not hold the effort and the ball found the net, giving the Citizens a two-goal cushion.

Despite Żabbar’s spirited performance and twice taking the lead, Valletta’s stronger finish ultimately proved decisive as they secured a 4-2 victory and opened their league campaign with three points.