Match Overview
Maccabi Tel Aviv triumphed over Hapoel Jerusalem with a stunning 2-1 victory in a gripping encounter at Bloomfield Stadium. This match marked the fourth round of the Winner League, following Maccabi’s impressive start to the season, scoring 12 goals in their previous three matches.
First Half: A Competitive Standoff
The game kicked off with Maccabi on the offensive, aiming for an early goal. A crucial early opportunity came when Omer David burst into the penalty area twice, only to be thwarted first by Hapoel’s goalkeeper and then by a corner kick. From the ensuing corner, Roy Revivo’s header narrowly missed, highlighting Maccabi’s intent to dominate.
Maccabi continued to apply pressure, as Dor Peretz had a shot skim past the post. Revivo proved pivotal, producing another significant chance when he found Idan Shahar, whose shot sailed over the bar. Despite Maccabi’s control, the referee overturned a potential penalty for a foul on Peretz after consulting VAR, issuing a yellow card for simulation instead.
As the first half drew to a close, Maccabi thought they had taken the lead with a goal from Ausher David, only for it to be ruled offside, leaving the match scoreless at halftime.
Second Half: Hapoel Takes the Lead
The second half resumed similarly, with Maccabi maintaining their attacking momentum. A critical moment occurred when Revivo again made a powerful run, leading to a blocked shot from Kerwin Andrade. However, things took a turn when, following a yellow card for Revivo, Maccabi was reduced to 10 men.
Capitalizing on the numerical advantage, Hapoel Jerusalem scored first. Eli Medmon set up Guy Badash, who struck a powerful shot past Maccabi’s goalkeeper, Roy Mishefti, making it 1-0 for the visitors.
Turning Point: Maccabi’s Resilience
Despite being down a man, Maccabi refused to back down. The fans rallied behind the team, creating an electrifying atmosphere. In the 69th minute, the stadium erupted when Idan Shahar launched a stunning equalizer, making it 1-1 and reigniting Maccabi’s chances.
With time running out and the pressure mounting, Maccabi pushed for a winner. The referee added five minutes of stoppage time, providing a glimmer of hope for the home side.
Dramatic Finish: A Last-Minute Goal
As the match neared its conclusion, drama unfolded in the dying moments. Itamar Noy delivered a free kick into the box, where Ali Kamara showcased his aerial prowess. The defender evaded his marker and executed a powerful header into the net from just five meters out, sealing a remarkable 2-1 victory for Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Key Takeaways
This match not only underscored Maccabi’s determination but also highlighted the resilience of the squad, especially after being down to ten players. With this victory, they continue to build momentum ahead of their European campaign. Coach Zarko Lazetic’s strategy of rotating players proved effective, as pivotal contributions came from both starters and substitutes.
As Maccabi prepares for their upcoming clash against PAOK Thessaloniki in the UEFA Europa League, the team looks to maintain their strong form and build on this thrilling victory.
