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Lincoln Red Imps are used to being the undisputed kings of Gibraltar. Usually, you look at the table and they’re sitting five or ten points clear, basically coasting. But 2026 is feeling a little different. Honestly, if you've been checking the Lincoln Red Imps standings lately, you might have done a double-take. They aren't in first place.
St Joseph's is currently leading the pack.
It’s weird to see, right? As of mid-January 2026, the Red Imps are sitting in 2nd place. They’ve played 14 games, which is actually three fewer than the leaders. That’s the big caveat. While St Joseph's has 46 points from 17 matches, Lincoln is trailing with 37 points. If Lincoln wins those games in hand, they’re right back on top. But games in hand aren't points in the bag. Just look at what happened on January 14.
Lincoln Red Imps got thumped 4-1 by St Joseph’s at home.
That result was a massive shock to the system. It wasn't just a loss; it was a statement. For a team that dominates possession and usually bullies the rest of the league, getting dismantled like that on their own turf is rare. It’s the kind of result that makes fans wonder if the heavy European schedule finally caught up with them.
The Domestic Grind and the European Hangover
Lincoln’s season has been absolutely packed. They’ve been juggling the Gibraltar Football League with a historic run in the UEFA Conference League. You’ve got to remember that they actually made history this season. On October 23, 2025, they beat Lech Poznań 2-1. That was the first time a Gibraltarian club ever won a match in the league phase of a major UEFA competition.
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That kind of success comes at a price.
Traveling to places like Warsaw to play Legia or facing Sigma Olomouc takes a toll on a squad, especially one that isn't used to that level of intensity every three days. Their European adventure ended in December 2025 after a 4-1 loss to Legia Warszawa, but the fatigue seems to have lingered into the new year.
Current League Picture:
St Joseph's leads with 46 points (15W, 1D, 1L).
Lincoln Red Imps follows with 37 points (12W, 1D, 1L).
Mons Calpe is lurking in 3rd with 34 points.
Europa FC is in 4th with 33 points.
Basically, the title race is a lot tighter than people expected. Usually, Lincoln just runs away with it. This year, they have to fight. Their goal difference is still monstrous—they've scored 52 and only conceded 11—but that one loss to St Joseph's looms large.
Key Players Keeping the Imps in the Hunt
Even when things feel a bit shaky, the talent in this squad is undeniable. Tjay De Barr has been the spark plug as usual. He’s got 14 goals across all competitions this season, proving he’s still the most dangerous forward in the country. Then you have Toni García, who has been clinical in league play with 9 goals.
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Experience matters here.
Lee Casciaro is still doing his thing at 44 years old. It’s actually insane when you think about it. The guy is a living legend, and even if he isn't starting every game, his presence in the locker room is probably the only reason they didn't spiral after the St Joseph's defeat. Bernardo Lopes has been wearing the captain's armband, trying to keep a defense steady that has surprisingly struggled to keep clean sheets in the last few weeks.
What the Schedule Looks Like Now
The road ahead is busy. Because of those games in hand, the Imps are playing catch-up in a very literal sense. They have a massive clash against Europa FC scheduled for January 18. If they drop points there, the pressure from Mons Calpe and Europa becomes very real.
They also have a packed January:
- January 21: Europa FC (Away)
- January 23: College 1975 (Home)
- January 28: FC Hound Dogs (Away)
That’s four games in two weeks. It’s a gauntlet. If they come out of this stretch with 12 points, the Lincoln Red Imps standings will look much more familiar. They’ll likely be back at the top or at least within a point of St Joseph's with games still to spare.
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The big question is depth. Manager Juanjo Bezares has been rotating the squad, but you can see the drop-off when the main guys like Nano or Nicholas Pozo aren't on the pitch. They need their Spanish core—players like Mandi and Juanje—to stay healthy.
Real Talk: Can They Actually Lose the Title?
People have been asking this since the 4-1 loss. Honestly, it’s possible, but I wouldn't bet against them. Lincoln has won the league 28 times. They know how to handle a "crisis." The last time they didn't win the league was the 2019-20 season (which was abandoned anyway) and 2016-17 when Europa FC took it.
The gap between Lincoln and the rest of the league is usually financial and structural. They have the best facilities and the biggest budget. But St Joseph's is playing with a chip on their shoulder this year. They aren't scared of the red and black stripes anymore.
If you’re tracking the standings, keep an eye on the "Goals Against" column. Lincoln’s defense has been uncharacteristically leaky lately. They conceded 15 goals in their six Conference League games, and bringing that "European" defensive form back to the local league has been their undoing. They need to get back to those 1-0 and 2-0 grinds.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you're following the Gibraltar Football League closely this season, here is how to read the current situation:
- Watch the Games in Hand: Don't let the 9-point gap fool you. Lincoln has 3 games in hand. Mathematically, they are still the favorites, but the margin for error is gone.
- Follow the Fitness of Tjay De Barr: He is the barometer for this team. If he’s fit and firing, they win. If he’s sidelined, they struggle to break down low blocks.
- The St Joseph's Rematch: Mark your calendars for the next time these two meet in the Championship Group. That game will likely decide where the trophy ends up.
- Defensive Stability: Check the starting lineups for Bernardo Lopes. Without him organizing the backline, Lincoln looks vulnerable to quick counter-attacks, which is exactly how St Joseph's hurt them.
To get the most accurate updates, check the Gibraltar FA official site or Soccerway, as third-party apps sometimes struggle with the rapid rescheduling of Gibraltarian matches. The league is heading into the crucial "Championship Group" phase soon, where the top six teams play each other again. That is where Lincoln usually pulls away, but this time, they’re starting from the back of the pack.
Keep an eye on the match against Europa FC this Sunday; it will tell us everything we need to know about their mental state after the recent derby disaster.