Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Dramatic Win
In a thrilling encounter on Saturday evening, Maccabi Tel Aviv clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem in the fourth round of the Winner League. Following an impressive start to the season, where they scored three goals in each of their first three matches, Maccabi was eager to continue their winning streak at Bloomfield Stadium after their 4-0 triumph over Hapoel Petah Tikva earlier in the week.
Match Overview
The match began with Maccabi demonstrating their attacking prowess. They were determined to secure an early goal, and Aushar Davidah made two notable incursions into the opponents’ box. His initial attempt was thwarted by Jerusalem’s goalkeeper, while his second shot was deflected for a corner. Maccabi’s intensity was evident as Roy Revivo came close to scoring with a header that narrowly missed the target.
First Half Highlights
Maccabi continued to exert pressure during the first half, with Dor Peretz sending a shot just past the post. Revivo was pivotal in Maccabi’s attacking strategy, particularly down the left flank. In the 22nd minute, he was brought down in the box by Tamir Chaimovitz, prompting referee Idan Leiba to initially award a penalty. However, a VAR review reversed the decision, leading to a yellow card for Revivo for simulation. Just before halftime, Maccabi thought they had taken the lead with a header from Aushar Davidah, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Second Half Action
The second half kicked off with Maccabi maintaining their aggressive approach. Within minutes, Revivo set up Karvin Andrade, whose shot was blocked by a Jerusalem defender. Shortly after, Davidah made another attempt that grazed the external netting, showcasing Maccabi’s relentless pursuit of a goal.
Substitutions and Setbacks
In the 64th minute, coach Zarko Lazetic made crucial substitutions, introducing Christian Blitz for Sissoko, and Sgabee Yakhzkel for Davidah. However, disaster struck for Maccabi a minute later when Revivo received a second yellow card, resulting in his expulsion from the match. This setback led to Hapoel Jerusalem capitalizing on the situation, with Gai Badash scoring the opening goal for the visitors in the 67th minute.
Late Drama and Triumph
Despite playing a man down, Maccabi refused to back down. In the 69th minute, Ilay Shahar unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net, equalizing the match at 1-1 and sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Sensing an opportunity, Lazetic made additional adjustments, bringing in Lio Warela for Andrade to bolster their attack.
With the match entering stoppage time, Maccabi pressed for a winner. In a stunning turn of events, Ali Kamara scored a header in the dying moments after a free kick delivered by Itamar Noy. The goal sealed a thrilling 2-1 victory for Maccabi Tel Aviv, reinforcing their status as a title contender.
Conclusion
This match showcased the resilience and determination of Maccabi Tel Aviv. Even in the face of adversity, they demonstrated their fighting spirit, ultimately emerging victorious. As they look forward to their upcoming European league match against PAOK Thessaloniki, Maccabi aims to build on this momentum and continue their impressive form in the season.
