Antonio Buffon

On May 29th at 9:00 PM, Pitch 2 at Luxol Playground in Pembroke hosted a clash between the top two teams of the PAI League. Armstrong Moonwalkers, leading the league by 2 points, faced Casino Malta, who needed a win to retain their championship title. Armstrong Moonwalkers had a stellar season, leading League 1 from the start. With organized play and strong performances across all positions, their strategy of quick substitutions and a deep roster kept them dominant throughout the season. The game began carefuly, with both teams feeling each other out. Casino Malta adopted an aggressive tactic, using their goalkeeper as an extra outfield player. This paid off early when the Casino Malta goalkeeper scored from beyond midfield, surprising everyone and giving his team a advantage. Casino Malta quickly capitalized, scoring again in the 13th minute to take a 2-0 lead. This jolted Armstrong Moonwalkers into action. They intercepted a risky pass and scored in the 15th minute to make it 2-1. Shortly after, Victor Palma Herrero netted a free kick to equalize at 2-2. However, inexperience cost Armstrong Moonwalkers just before halftime. A mistake allowed Giorgio Tasciotti to score, putting Casino Malta back in the lead at 3-2. The second half saw Armstrong Moonwalkers pressing hard for an equalizer. They created several chances but couldn’t convert them. In a controversial moment, the referee didn't call a clear foul, leaving Casino Malta's Antonio Buffon free to score, making it 4-2. Armstrong Moonwalkers fought back valiantly. Fredrik Johansson scored in the last minute, reducing the deficit to 4-3 and setting up a tense final moment. Armstrong had one last attack, but their final shot hit the crossbar, sealing Casino Malta’s victory. Casino Malta's 4-3 win not only secured them the league title but also marked the first time in five years that a team successfully defended the championship. They now look forward to the PAI Cup final, where they have a chance to add another trophy to their collection.