Match report: Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv
In Round 5 of the Youth Premier League, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth team, nicknamed Shachar, were edged 2-1 by city rivals Hapoel Tel Aviv. The match featured a bright start from the Yellow side, a contentious equalizer from the visitors, and a late rally that fell short of a comeback. The result keeps the visitors’ control of the early standings while offering the Yellow squad a clear set of lessons to apply in upcoming fixtures.
First half: Early lead, quick turnaround
The hosts began with intent, pressing high and trying to impose their tempo from the opening whistle. In the 1st minute, a ball deflected off the Red goalkeeper and rolled past the stranded keeper, giving the Yellow team an early lead. The ball drifted into the net after the keeper’s clearance deflected off a defensive second, putting the score at 0-1.
In the 16th minute, a crucial moment swung the momentum. Itay Barhum was adjudged to have fouled Rivid Ullitsky inside the box, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Ullitsky stepped up and tucked the spot-kick, restoring parity at 1-1 for Hapoel. The home side continued to press forward, with Ro’i Magor trying to unlock the Red defense from range in the 24th minute, but Yinal Bazadug’s save ensured a corner for the Yellow team.
Two minutes later, the visitors surged ahead. A miscue by the Maccabi goalkeeper allowed Ullitsky to pounce on the loose ball and complete a brace, making it 1-2 to Hapoel Tel Aviv. The back-and-forth continued as Yaheli Danor tested the Red’s frame in the 36th minute, but Bazadug managed to keep the ball out with a sharp reflex save. The opening period ended with chances at both ends and a tense balance on the scoreboard.
Second half: Yellow pressure, late near-misses
After the break, the Yellow team sought to reverse the deficit. In the 55th minute, a promising through ball found Yoio (YoYo) Aviv in a dangerous position, but Bazadug produced a decisive reflex to parry the shot and clear the danger to a corner. From that set-piece, Lotem Asres collected the ball inside the box and fired, but the effort was blocked and cleared by the Red defense. The goal remained elusive from open play as both teams scrambled for control.
The 66th minute saw a powerful strike from the edge of the area by Lotem Asres that rattled the post, signaling the Yellow team’s increasing threat. In the 82nd and 86th minutes, two further attempts by Itay Zfrani and Yishai Brus were saved by the Hapoel goalkeeper, preserving the visitors’ slim advantage. As stoppage time arrived, the Yellow side pushed forward with fearless intent. Yoyo Aviv forced another save from Bazadug from close range, and Ruy (Roi) Magor launched a late strike from the edge of the box that narrowly missed the target. The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Key moments and analysis
- Opening strike: A deflection off the Red goalkeeper after a shot from the Yellow forward, giving Maccabi an early lead.
- Penalty decision: A foul in the box led to Ullitsky’s penalty and a 1-1 scoreline before halftime.
- Turnaround: Ullitsky’s second goal showcased composure and opportunism to complete a brace.
- Second-half pressure: The Yellow squad created multiple half-chances, especially from set pieces, but could not convert.
- Late attempts: Two late efforts in stoppage time kept the crowd hopeful, but the scoreline remained unchanged.
Starting lineup and substitutions
Starting XI included goalkeeper Idan Trau, with a backline featuring Itay Barhum and Liran Spigel. Midfield and forward options included Idan Vinberg (sub: Noam Cohen 88), Guy Reich (sub: Liroi Avribaia 62), Rani Rivol (sub: YoYo Aviv 46), Roi Magor, Lotem Asres (sub: Noam Yaakov 88), YaHei Danor (sub: Yahel Waknin 79), Ila’i Ben-Simon, and Itay Zfrani. These players represented a tight-knit group competing in a demanding round of the Youth Premier League.
What this means going forward
The match underscores the depth and potential of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth development, even in defeat. The early lead showed a promising attacking instinct, while the second-half pressure highlighted the team’s resilience and willingness to push for a result. For Hapoel Tel Aviv, the win adds valuable points and momentum in Round 5 as both teams recalibrate ahead of future clashes in the youth league.
