Late heroics lift Beitar Jerusalem past Bnei Reineh
With just three minutes remaining at Green Stadium, Beitar Jerusalem looked set for another gruelling week after a disciplined display from Bnei Reineh. Instead, Omer Atzili emerged as the match-winner, sealing a 3-1 victory that keeps Beitar’s season moving in the right direction. The forward’s ninth goal of the campaign capped a night of patient buildup and opportunistic finishing, underscoring Beitar’s reliance on a star performer to carry them through tight moments.
Atzili’s ninth goal and a turning point for the season
Beitar had trailed 1-0 to Reineh, continuing a recent run of tepid starts that had left the club chasing matches rather than dictating them. Atzili’s late intervention — combined with Yarden Shua’s impact earlier in the night — flipped the script and reinforced the sense that Beitar can lean on their attacking talisman when the pressure rises. With four league goals already to his name and a ninth across all competitions, Atzili has become the focal point of Beitar’s energy and threat in front of goal.
Supporting cast steps up: Shua, Ben-Shimol, and the back line
Beyond Atzili, the night highlighted a handful of players who added layers to Beitar’s performance. Yarden Shua arrived ready to contribute a penalty goal and an assist for Atzili, while Ziv Ben-Shimol entered the midfield with a surprising aptitude for resilience and control. The defensive pairing of Bryan Krabli and Luka Gadraani also offered steadiness, helping to neutralize Reineh’s early momentum and enabling Beitar to push for a more sustained second-half period of dominance.
Shua’s influence and the value of minutes
Coach Barak Yitzhaki lauded Shua’s contribution, emphasising the importance of giving players opportunities to prove themselves. “He played well, I’m glad he completed 90 minutes. There were better performances from him at times, but finishing with a goal and an assist shows he is a key player for us,” Yitzhaki said. He also reminded supporters that some players need regular game time to maintain sharpness, warning that sitting on the bench is not a recipe for long-term impact.
Ben-Shimol’s tactical shift and the value of pace
Yitzhaki also praised Ziv Ben-Shimol for stepping into a defensive-midfield role when the situation demanded it. “I moved him there because there was little danger and I wanted someone who could move the ball quickly and add control,” the coach explained. The decision underscored Beitar’s willingness to adapt mid-match and pay dividends as the second half unfolded with greater tempo and intent.
Momentum, points, and preparation for the next challenge
After five league rounds, Beitar Jerusalem sit on 10 points from 15 — a respectable return that sits at the foot of a week’s worth of optimism and work. The win was not just about three points but about a team showing resilience, coordination, and a clearer game plan as they head toward their next fixture with Hapoel Petah Tikva. The night’s performance offered a blueprint: Atzili’s runs, Shua’s creative bursts, and a tighter defensive shape can carry Beitar through tougher tests, provided they stick to the plan and press when opportunities arise.
Looking ahead
The challenge for Beitar is clear: maintain the momentum generated by a late surge, balance attacking fluency with defensive discipline, and keep key contributors motivated across the 90 minutes. If Barak Yitzhaki’s side can reproduce the balance they showed at Green Stadium, the club may well convert early-season promise into a more sustained push for points and position in the table.
