BE’ER SHEVA — Israeli football concluded 2024 with a thrilling four-team race for the championship.
On the first day of 2025, no one could have wished for a better opening moment than a match between the league's top two clubs, Hapoel Beer Sheva and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
A thrilling battle that kept the Israeli Premier League title race alive. Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Maccabi Tel Aviv at Turner Stadium (Photo courtesy: Hapoel Be’er Sheva)
Maccabi Tel Aviv, the reigning champions, faced a challenging schedule leading up to this moment. They balanced domestic matches with their Europa League campaign, and due to the ongoing war in Israel, they had to travel even for their home matches. Although the Europa League was on break last week, Maccabi Tel Aviv still competed in the Israeli League Cup final.
On Wednesday, they faced yet another challenge – an away match against Hapoel Beer Sheva in one of Israel's most electrifying venues, Turner Stadium. In its first decade, the stadium has seen remarkable success: Hapoel Beer Sheva secured three consecutive titles in its first three seasons but hasn't come close since 2018. This season, under new manager Ran Kojuch, the team leads the table with 12 consecutive undefeated matches, their last defeat coming against Maccabi Tel Aviv in their previous meeting.
Both teams pressed intensely in the first half, leading to numerous counterattacks and scoring opportunities. A crucial moment for the home side came in the 23rd minute when Kings Kangwa recovered a lost ball and charged into the box, only to be thwarted by the defense. Maccabi Tel Aviv squandered their best chance in the 41st minute when Dor Peretz's shot was mishandled by Niv Eliasi, and Wesley Patati failed to convert the open-net opportunity.
Second half: goals and drama
The deadlock broke in the 62nd minute through Kings Kangwa, the Zambian international who has been instrumental for Hapoel Beer Sheva this season. His 16-meter strike, though not powerful, was precise enough to challenge Maccabi Tel Aviv's goalkeeper, Roei Mishpati.
Maccabi Tel Aviv responded with increased pressure, equalizing in the 73rd minute. A precise cross from the right wing eluded both Miguel Vitor and Niv Eliasi, finding Sagiv Jehezkel – formerly of Hapoel Beer Sheva – in perfect position to score. Jehezkel, who joined Maccabi after a controversial departure from Turkish club Antalyaspor, proved to be one of the evening's key figures.
Three minutes later, rising star Wesley Patati notched his third goal in four matches, putting Maccabi ahead. The goal initially faced scrutiny from the assistant referee but was confirmed after VAR review showed no offside violation.
Maccabi's lead lasted until stoppage time when Hapoel Beer Sheva converted a corner kick. Roei Gordana's precise delivery found Alon Turgeman, whose header found the net. VAR again played a crucial role, confirming the goal despite questions about a potential foul on the goalkeeper.
The 2-2 draw satisfied both managers, with Ran Kojuch and Zarko Lazetic praising their teams' character and discipline, though both might have hoped for more. For the fans, it was another memorable night of Israeli football, with the title race remaining wide open as the league reaches its midpoint.
The best player in the Israeli Premier League scored a fantastic goal, but couldn’t lead Be’er Sheva to the desire victory. Zambian star, Kings Kangwa, in action (Photo courtesy: Hapoel Be’er Sheva)
Eran Zahavi scores twice in his farewell match as Maccabi Tel Aviv overpower Beitar Jerusalem to secure back-to-back championships.