ZC Excess Lazio have been crowned Malta futsal cham-pions for the second year in a row.

In a thrilling final, played at the Corradino Sports Pavilion last week, ZC Excess edged out Paola Downtown on penalties

In the play-offs, Excess and Downtown had the better of River Plate Bidnija and Naxxar Motors respectively to book their place in the final.

The decisive clash turned out to be a veritable spectacle, with penalties needed to determine the winner after a six-all draw. Excess were leading during extra-time but Downtown levelled the score with just 13 seconds to go.

Going into the play-offs, ZC Excess, led by player/coach Florin Anton, were top of the league and had not been beaten since September. Excess have only suffered one defeat this season.

Excess will now represent Malta in the preliminary round of the UEFA Futsal Cup.

During last year’s tournament, staged for the first time in Malta at the Cottonera Sports Complex, ZC Excess became the first Maltese team to win a match in a UEFA futsal competition.

Meanwhile, local futsal competitions come to a close tomorrow with the Knock-Out final at Corradino.

Holders Naxxar Motors must overcome ZC Excess, who are pushing for a double, to retain the trophy.