Maccabi Tel Aviv secured their 26th Israeli Premier League title in emphatic fashion on Saturday, defeating Beitar Jerusalem 5-0 at Bloomfield Stadium on the final day of the season.
The victory ensured Maccabi finished two points ahead of Hapoel Be'er Sheva, who also won 5-0 against Hapoel Haifa.
Veteran striker Eran Zahavi led the charge in his final appearance for Maccabi, netting a brace to cap off a storied career with the club. Additional goals came from Dor Peretz, Dor Turgeman, and an own goal by Beitar's Jean Marcelin.
Simultaneously, Hapoel Be'er Sheva delivered a dominant performance against Hapoel Haifa at Yaakov Turner Toto Stadium, with five different players contributing to the scoreline. Despite matching Maccabi's win, Be'er Sheva concluded the season with 78 points, two shy of the champions' 80.
Maccabi Tel Aviv's triumph marks their second consecutive league title and secures their spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. Hapoel Be'er Sheva, along with Maccabi Haifa and Beitar Jerusalem, will participate in the UEFA Europa League or Conference League competitions.
The Israeli football season will conclude with the State Cup final between Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Beitar Jerusalem on May 29.
Photo courtesy: Maccabi Tel Aviv football club
Eran Zahavi scores twice in his farewell match as Maccabi Tel Aviv overpower Beitar Jerusalem to secure back-to-back championships.