Dor Peretz could have scored a late winner and lead Maccabi to a victory over Hapoel Be’ersheva at the end of the season. But instead, Maccabi’s captain missed the chance to score and saw his side share the points to keep the status quo at the top of the table. “We really wanted to win the match and climb to the top of the table, but we didn’t do it and I don’t think that something is over.” With both teams on 71 points and only a two-goal difference give Be’ersheva a narrow lead, Peretz remained adamant: “There are three tough and very challenging matches to play so whoever has a stronger run will clinch the title. I think we shouldn’t give up for a second as we had a great desire to win but this is the outcome, and we will push on from here.”
On his miss that could have completed Maccabi’s comeback, Peretz said: “It is over now. That is, it, and there is nothing one can do” Peretz who scored 17 goals in all competitions this season added: “I will try and improve ahead of the next match. My steps weren’t too accurate, and I just sliced the ball. It is annoying as this goal could have won the match but this is part of football and part of a season. I don’t want to sum things up just now.”
On the way the match developed, the 29-year-old said: Both teams played well and created chances and half chances. In some way a draw makes justice but the road for the league title is still long. We will continue at full power all the way until the end. Just like the fans cheered today for 90 minutes then our responsibility is to continue their momentum in the next match. We will not give up and if they win three of their next three match fair play to them. But if not, we will be there waiting.”
