Israeli Premier League: Fans are back

Only one match left before the end of the Israeli Premier League regular season, and teams on top and bottom are looking for improving their spots.

One year after Israel went under its first lockdown, this week fans were finally returned to be part of football again. The recent decision allowed the entrance of 1,500, all vaccinated, fans who got a chance to be in the stadium. The decision was criticized by the IPFL board, which demanded a capacity of at least 30%. Another protest was made by the ultras groups that decided to ban the matches under the current restrictions.

There was also one person that used the situation. The Primer Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, arrived at Beitar Jerusalem's home match. Netanyahu is known as a Beitar fan, but he usually comes during election campaigns. In one of his last attempts to get more votes before the scheduled elections on March 23, Netanyahu called to increase the capacity. It may happen as soon as the next round.

Israel PM Netanyahu is present in Beitar Jerusalem’s match as part of his elections campaign.

“This is the first match in the world with ‘vaccinated’ fans”, he says here next to club legend Eli Ohana.

It’s not true, but never a dull moment in this club.pic.twitter.com/KpL2NE4suY
— Uri Levy (@Levyninho) March 14, 2021

All is Same on Top

After Maccabi Tel Aviv took back the first place, they played away against Ironi Kiryat Shmona. Maccabi got the advantage when Dor Peretz scored in the 31st minute. Three minutes later, Kiryat Shmona's Yoav Hofmeister was sent off, and just like in their match against Maccabi Haifa, it was enough to be decisive. Maccabi Tel Aviv didn't thrash Kiryat Shmona, scoring the second goal only in the 82nd minute, when Matan Hozez converted a successful penalty kick. Maccabi Tel Aviv won 2-0 and extended the gap on top to five points.

24 hours later, Maccabi Haifa had to chase Maccabi Tel Aviv as they played against Bnei Yehuda. Lying in the last place, Bnei Yehuda had no chance to challenge the title contenders. No goals were scored in the first half, but Maccabi Haifa was concentrate to find the net. In the 53rd minute, Neta Lavi scored his first goal in this season. In the 62nd minute, Sun Menachem, who returned from a suspension due to the Haifa derby brawl, scored. Maccabi Haifa's win reduced the gap back to 2 points.

The last matchday of the regular season will be necessary for both teams. As the schedule is based on the position, the team that will finish first will host the match between the two leaders. With the home fans in the stadium, it may be a crucial advantage.

Posted by ‎Maccabi Tel Aviv FC - מועדון הכדורגל מכבי ת"א‎ on Sunday, 14 March 2021

Who Will Join The Leaders?

Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa secured their spot in the championship group and FC Ashdod, the black horses of the season. Five teams are trying to get the additional three spots, but most failed to win last weekend. Except for Ironi Kiryat Shomna's predicted defeat against Maccabi Tel Aviv, the other teams struggled in their matches.

Maccabi Petah Tikva and Hapoel Be'er Sheva had an awful match ended in an 0-0 draw, when Hapoel Be'er Sheva didn't manage to produce a single shot on goal. Maccabi Netanya was defeated 1-0 by Hapoel Hadera, one of the league's weakest teams. The only team that got closer to the top places was Beitar Jerusalem that narrowly defeated Hapoel Kfar Saba 2-1.

On the last matchday, five teams will have to play to secure their places. Therefore, their matches would be played simultaneously on Saturday. That could be the most crucial match for teams like Hapoel Be'er Sheva or Beitar Jerusalem, which would consider a season without a berth in the continental competition as a failure.