Matchday 21 of the Israeli Premier League saw Maccabi Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem play out a dramatic 1-1 draw at Bloomfield Stadium on Monday night, in a game that was as emotionally charged as it was competitive.
Only home fans allowed in the fixture. Maccabi Fanatics (Photo courtesy: Nicole Liberman/BabaGol)
Before kickoff, Maccabi held a ceremony honoring the recently released hostages and those still held captive in Gaza. In a powerful gesture of solidarity, Beitar Jerusalem donned orange uniforms for the first time in their history, symbolizing support for the Bibas family. Yarden Bibas was freed over the weekend, but his wife, Shiri, and their two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, remain in Gaza amid grim speculation about their fate.
Beitar Jerusalem donned orange uniforms for the first time in their history, symbolizing support for the Bibas family who part of them, are still in Gaza. (Photo courtesy: Beitar Jerusalem)
On the pitch, Beitar took a late lead through Ismaila Soro’s strike in the 72nd minute, but Maccabi responded swiftly. While only home fans were allowed in due to security decisions, hundreds of Beitar fans were dressed as Maccabi fans, and celebrated the goal in passion within the Yellow and Blue stands.
Eight minutes later, Idan Nachmias heading home an equalizer in the 80th after a quality corner by Wesley Patati. The match reached peak drama in the 89th minute when Beitar had a golden chance to snatch all three points, but Yarden Shua’s penalty was denied by a brilliant save from Maccabi’s Simon Sluga.
The draw means Maccabi Tel Aviv drop crucial points in the title race, giving rivals Maccabi Haifa an opportunity to close the gap at the top. Beitar, meanwhile, can take pride in a spirited performance and the fact that they are still in the race, even if they leave Tel Aviv wondering what might have been.
The Fanatics’ tifo against Beitar, and the world. (Photo courtesy: Nicole Liberman/BabaGol)
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s emotional ceremony to honor returning hostages and those who are still held captive, before the game. (Photo courtesy: Nicole Liberman/BabaGol)
A massive battle between two of the championship contenders. (Photo courtesy: Nicole Liberman/BabaGol)
The dramatic moment: Simon Sluga stops Yarden Shua’s penalty in the 90th minute. (Photo courtesy: Nicole Liberman/BabaGol)
Eran Zahavi scores twice in his farewell match as Maccabi Tel Aviv overpower Beitar Jerusalem to secure back-to-back championships.