A massive matchday in the Israeli Premier League saw Hapoel Be’er Sheva host Beitar Jerusalem, while Maccabi Tel Aviv welcomed Maccabi Haifa to Bloomfield Stadium—two title-defining clashes that drew intense attention.
Maccabi Tel Aviv entered full of confidence after an away win over Be’er Sheva two weeks ago and a hammering of Maccabi Netanya last week.
Haifa, meanwhile, arrived on the back of a demoralizing 0-3 home loss to Be’er Sheva, with a particularly shameful last ten minutes.
A crowd of 28,429 nearly filled Bloomfield Stadium.
A unique tifo before the match. Maccabi Tel Aviv fans (Photo courtesy: BabaGol)
FIRST HALF
The opening minutes saw Maccabi Haifa slightly more focused, but Maccabi Tel Aviv gradually took control.
In the 10th minute, Eran Zahavi’s header went just over Sharif Keouf’s goal.
In the 22nd, Haifa nearly broke through with a dangerous cross, but Tel Aviv goalkeeper Simon Sluga held it firmly.
A minute later, Osher Davida—currently in sensational form—fired from distance, just over the bar.
In the 25th minute, Zahavi had the best chance of the half in a one-on-one, but missed the target by centimeters.
Tel Aviv kept pressing, hitting both the post and crossbar in one threatening attack.
Just before the halftime whistle, Dia Saba created a great opportunity for Ricardinho, but the Haifa forward couldn’t finish.
An intense, high-quality first half by Israeli standards ended 0-0.
SECOND HALF
Maccabi Tel Aviv came out flying. In the 51st minute, Zahavi picked up the ball at the edge of the box, cut inside, and curled a beautiful shot into the left corner. 1-0 Tel Aviv.
But Haifa quickly responded. In the 58th minute, Dia Saba set up Curaçao international Xander Severina, who surged down the right and fired a stunning left-footed shot into the top corner. 1-1—and momentum shifted.
Meanwhile, down south in Be’er Sheva, Hapoel scored twice in stoppage time to beat Beitar Jerusalem 3-1, reclaiming the top spot in dramatic fashion.
Maccabi coach Zarko Lazetic responded with changes, bringing on Dor Turgeman and Gabi Kanikowsky for Joris van Overeem and Osher Davida.
In the 77th minute, Haifa nearly grabbed a second when Dean David’s effort was cleared off the line by Raz Shlomo. So close!
Despite four minutes of added time, Maccabi Tel Aviv couldn't break through again. The 1-1 draw meant they surrendered the league lead to Be’er Sheva.
Post-Match Reactions:
“You could say we decided to be uglier than usual,” said Haifa coach Barak Bakhar. “Everyone gave 200%, and I’m proud we earned this point after recent performances.”
“We created a lot of chances—more than I expected in such a game,” said Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Zarko Lazetic. “The result in Be’er Sheva didn’t affect our energy. Now, we have to keep playing—and winning—until the end.”
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