PAOLA, Malta (Interstat) — Marsaxlokk opened its Premier League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Birkirkara on Sunday at Tony Bezzina Stadium.

Francisco López broke a scoreless deadlock with a goal in the 35th minute for the hosts. Marsaxlokk added a second goal after halftime before Birkirkara found a late consolation. The result defied a pre-match projection from Interstat, whose simulator had forecast a 1-1 draw. Its ELO system had given Marsaxlokk a 59.10 percent probability to win.

The win gives Marsaxlokk a winning start in league play, while Birkirkara begins its season with a defeat.