Dor Peretz scored his 18th goal in all competitions this season as the 28-year-old midfielder said at the end of the first victory over Bnei Reineh this season: “To win this match was super important, especially now when we reached this stage of the season. It is a super important match as now we can be happy from the result. In terms of our ability, I think the first 20-25 minutes were good but after that we had some good spells yet I am sure we can play better football, more aggressive with more passion. Gladly we came out with the victory which is most important.”

On his personal numbers this season, Peretz said: “This is something which is evident on the pitch, but I am happy to reach quite a few chances. Robbie gives me a lot of credit to play in a position I am used to. I am delighted with this but we are not at the stage of summing things up just yet. We will wait for that until the end of the season.”

Ahead of the season run-in which leaves Maccabi with five matches to play, Peretz said: “On my side we will do everything and continue in the same way that got us here so far. We will focus on ourselves as this is the only way for us.”