Ali Camara’s 95th minute winner earned Maccabi Tel Aviv a dramatic 2-1 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem at Bloomfield. The 28-year-old Guinian defender who opened his Maccabi account in the most dramatic fashion said at the end of the game: “I think I wasn’t the only happy person in the stadium, the fans and the players too, we are all happy today with the last-minute win.”

Camara’s winning goal secured a fourth victory this season that kept Maccabi’s 100% record in tact: “Those three points were very important for us. We want to keep winning every match, even though it’s not easy. Today it came at the very last moment, but we are happy to take the points at home.”

Camara, whose side were reduced to 10 men following the second half dismissal or Roy Revivo tried explaining what has been going on behind the scenes:
“We spoke in the dressing room about winning every match, and today was the fourth match of the season. We wanted to keep up the performance and keep improving,” Camara said. “Today our character was very important, especially with one player less, and we are happy about that.”

The central defender who joined Maccabi in the summer from Swiss club Young Boys and became one of the leaders of the team, spoke of his settling in: “I feel very good. The players, the fans, the club, everyone welcomed me very well. Today I’m very happy and I enjoyed myself on the pitch.”

Ahead to the Europa League phase which kicks off on Wednesday with a tough match away to PAOK Thessaloniki, Camara added:
“We will continue with the process we started a month ago. We are trying to do many positive things. It’s great for us to begin the Europa League, and we will keep working and improving.”

Preview

Three weeks after their 4-0 victory over Maccabi Netanya and four days after defeating Hapoel Petah Tikva by the same result, Maccabi returned to Bloomfield stadium for the MD4 against Hapoel Jerusalem.

Zarko Lazetic’s side that scored four goals in each of their league outings so far as they recorded a 4-1 win away to Ironi Tiberias last weekend, featured the new fourth kit.

Just like in the midweek match against Hapoel Petah Tikva, Lazetic made five changes to his starting line-up. Roi Mishpati kept his place in goal as did defenders Ali Camara and Tyrese Asante while Raz Shlomo returned to the heart of defense and Roy Revivo to the left back position. Issouf Sissokho kept his place as the anchorman while Ido Shahar who came off the bench to score a late penalty against Petah Tikva, returned to partner the Mali midfielder in Maccabi’s engine room. Dor Peretz continued to lead the team out with the captain’s armband as the 30-year-old will aim to continue his goal scoring form. Osher Davida who scored the opener at Petah Tikva and added an assist, kept his place while Kervin Andrade returned to the side for his home debut.

Ion Nicolaescu who opened his account against Maccabi Netanya at Bloomfield before adding another last weekend against Ironi Tiberias, started upfront.

Yoav Gerafi who recovered from the hamstring injury he picked against Pafos, returned to the squad for the first time. On the bench alongside Gerafi, Lazetic named Sagiv Jehezkel, Denny Gropper, Kristijan Belic, Elad Madmon, Noam Ben Harush, Ben Lederman, Helio Varela and Itamar Noy.

First Half

Maccabi began the match with a blitz trying to score an early goal with Osher Davida twice bursing his way into the visitors box. The pacy winger tried cutting the ball back but once it was intercepted by the keeper and the second time cleared foe a corner. Maccabi came close to score from Davida’s resulting corner which was headed wide by Roy Revivo. Maccabi continued to press as Dor Peretz flashed a shot wide before Revivo sent another close ranger header which barrowly missed the target. Maccabi continued to dominate as Revivo and Kervin Andrade combined in the 14th minute to tee up Ido Shahar whose shot sailed high over the crossbar. 

Revivo continued to look lively down the left as in the 22nd minute he charged into the box and was brought down by Tamir Haimovich. Referee Idan Leiba awarded Maccabi a penalty but after he was called to the screen by the VAR, cancelled the spot kick and booked the left back for diving.

The fourth official signaled 2 additional minutes and on the stroke of halftime Maccabi had the ball in the back of the net as a long _ diagonal ball found Revivo who rose at the far post to head it to Davida who nodded home. But the referee assistant raised his flag for offside before VAR confirmed the goal should be disallowed. The halftime whistle sent both team to regroup in the dressing rooms ahead of the second period.

Second Half

With no changes to either side after the interval, the second half began like the first with Maccabi trying to grab an early goal. In the 52nd minute Revivo charged down the left before slipping the ball to Kervin Andrade who spun around his marker before unleashing a shot which was blocked by a Jerusalem defender.

Two minutes later Davida broke down the right before squaring for Shahar whose attempt of a flick struck the side netting. Andrade kept causing Jerusalem all sorts of problems as the diminutive Venezuelan winger skillfully charged down the left into the touchline but saw his effort turned away by Nadav Zamir’s feet. Lazetic made a triple substutution in the 64th minute as Issouf Sissokho was replaced by Kristijan Belic, Sagiv Jehezkel came on for Davida while Elad Madmon stepped in for Ion Nicolaescu.

A minute later Maccabi were reduced to 10 men after Revivo was shown a second bookable offense. From the resulting free kick the visitors took the lead as Ilay Madmon touched the ball for Guy Badash whose powerful left foot drive found the bottom corner of Roi Mishpati. With a goal down and a numerical disadvantage Maccabi had to raise their game. In the 69th minute Bloomfield was on their feet as Shahar drilled in a shot which beat Zamir to level the score. The fans reacted to raise their decibels while Lazetic replaced the tired Andrade with Helio Varela.

Peretz had two good chances to score after good work by Varela down the left but Zamir managed to claw one effort off his line while the second rolled wide. Shahar was replaced by Itamar Noy as Lazetic made his fifth and final change in the 86 minute adding a fresh pair of legs into the midfield.

When it seemed as though all of Maccabi’s attempts to score would fail Ali Camara stepped up for a set piece as the Guinian towering central defender headed in the winner deep inside injury time.

Sagiv Jehezkel returned to Maccabi in the summer of last year after a turbulent spell in Turkey but his first season at the club which resulted with a league title was still plagued by injuries. A fractured cheekbone against Hapoel Be’ersheva in September last year followed by an ankle injury against Ashdod in March, limited Jehezkel to a total of 25 appearances, four goals and 2 assists in all competitions. This season, Jehezkel already recoded 10 appearances in all competitions, but his recent good form saw the 30-year-old winger score twice and add four assists in the last 5 outings.

Having secured qualification to the Europa league phase, Jehezkel and Maccabi now have a 100% record in the league with his side scoring four in each of the three league rounds they played. “Of course, we feel good. I feel good about my form lately, and I’m happy I can help the team” Jehezkel said. “I’m glad the team looks like this, playing according to its principles. We’re doing what we need to do. Always humble and hungry, whether in training or in matches. I’m happy about this period, and we want to keep going in the same way, with humility and hard work.”

On the injuries of last season, Jehezkel reflected: “I had two serious injuries last season and didn’t play for long stretches. That’s part of football, and you need to look at it positively. In the end, we’ve started a new season, and right now I feel good. I’m happy to be one of the leaders here in the team. That was my dream when I came to Maccabi, to be an important figure and help the younger players. I’m happy about this whole period and hope it continues. In the last game, I slightly pulled a muscle in the middle of a shot, but nothing serious, just fatigue from the recent run of games. I was completely fine right after the match.”

Jehezkel who is capable of operating in various positions on the wing, said: “First of all, by nature and how I grew up, I’m an attacking player. I also played right wing for the national team. It is true that I have also played at right back and did it well. I am glad I can play in several roles and give the coach options with me. I’m happy I can help the team in different areas. Right now, I’m trying to give my very best and contribute as much as I can to the team. Now, I feel best in attack, scoring and assisting makes me happy. But if I need to play full-back, I’ll do it in the best possible way.”

On Maccabi’s recent good form, Jehezkel added: “We need to remain calm. It is only the beginning of the season. True, we lost many players last year, but that’s behind us. We’re in a new season with many new players, and they’re settling in well and quickly, understanding what the coach wants and our playing principles. I’m glad we’re managing to bond and connect quickly, and I want that to get even stronger.”

Together with Dor Peretz, Jehezkel is one of the experienced players in a young squad, as he admitted on the connection he has with the Maccabi captain: “It’s a connection that is also off the pitch, we’re good friends, spend a lot of time together, and have great conversations. Dor is an excellent player and makes deep runs most of the time. He receives balls, sometimes from me as well, and manages to score goals. I wish him, and us, many more goals this season.”

Ahead of Saturday’s match against Hapoel Jerusalem that began the season with three defeats from their opening three matches: “Hapoel Jerusalem are a very good team. Most of our matches against them have been close. Right now, Hapoel Jerusalem’s position doesn’t reflect their quality, but we are not focusing on that, we’re focusing on ourselves. We’ll do our preparation and work on the key points for tomorrow. The coach will prepare us in the best way to win the match our way, just like we’ve done so far.”

On Maccabi’s start to the domestic league season which is the opposite of the one their opponents have had, Jehezkel summed up: “I’m happy with the way things are going, but I don’t focus on the 4–0 wins. We work hard in every training session, focusing on our principles and trying to apply them the same way against every opponent. The big wins are just a bonus from the hard work and from everyone giving 100 percent. I’m happy with the results, and we want to keep it going, to win the upcoming games, starting with the next one against Hapoel Jerusalem.”

You thought you had seen everything? Think again! After revealing the Home, Away, and Third kits earlier this season, the collaboration between Maccabi and PUMA continues to surprise, this time bringing you the special and refreshing fourth kit.

Just in time for the holiday period, the new kit is exactly what you need to break the routine: designed in clean, sharp White and Sky Blue, and above all, it looks great!

Maccabi’s players will make their debut in the fourth kit this coming Saturday, during the home match against Hapoel Jerusalem at Bloomfield stadium.

Anyone who wishes to gear up right before the holiday break can find the new kit in our online store and at the official flagship store at Bloomfield. It’s the perfect chance to add a new, and completely different, shirt to your collection.

Denny Gropper marked his Maccabi league debut and second appearance since joining the club in the summer with a solid performance in the 4-0 victory over Hapoel Petah Tikva.

Gropper came close to score on his debut but was denied by Petah Tikva’s keeper in the first, paid tribute to the newly promoted side when he said minutes after the match ended: “First of all, credit to Hapoel Petah Tikva, I think they play good football. But you can see that we came prepared and knew what we had to do, and in the end that is reflected in the result.”

Despite Maccabi’s 100% record and the fact his side scored four goals in each of the opening three league matches, Gropper didn’t let himself get carried away as he insisted: “We don’t pay attention to what’s being said outside. We know what we want from ourselves, we’re working hard for it, and for now you can see it.”

The former Ludogorets full-back who returned to Israel after playing several years in Bulgaria, reflected: “Yes, I came back to Israel, to Maccabi. I came back to the biggest club. I see it everywhere we go, in the training complex, in the stadiums, with our fans. It’s great fun to be here, a lot of excitement. I’m happy to make my league debut.”
“I had other options, also in Europe. There wasn’t anything I could say was better than

Maccabi Tel Aviv. I was happy to come here. Maccabi showed me they wanted me. They spoke to me a lot, I think I made the right decision and I’m happy to be here.”

On the tough competition for places in the squad, Gropper said: “I know that at Maccabi there is competition for every spot in the squad, certainly in the starting lineup. I’m here to work hard for the club and to do what’s needed. I got feedback from the coach and the club about the effort I’m putting in, even though I played less at the beginning. I’m here to work.”

Preview

Maccabi arrived at the Petah Tikva stadium ahead of the rescheduled MD1 fixture against newly promoted side Hapoel Petah Tikva which was postponed due to the involvement in Europe.

Zarko Lazetic’s side that scored four goals in each of their opening two league matches against Maccabi Netanya (4-0) and Ironi Tiberias (4-1) will aim to try and maintain their 100% record. Lazetic who is aware of the demanding fixture schedule in the league and in Europe, made five changes from the side that won at Nof HaGalil three days earlier. Roi Mishpati kept his place in goal with Heitor stepping in to partner Ali Camara as the two central defenders in front of the keeper. Denny Gropper made his first Maccabi league start since joining the club in the summer as he was named at left-back with Tyrese Asante completing the back four on the right. Issouf Sissokho returned to the heart of midfield after shaking off an injury as the Mali midfielder partnered Kristijan Belic in Maccabi’s engine room. Dor Peretz, led the team out wearing the captain’s armband as the 30-year-old will try continue his good form that saw him score 5 goals in all competitions so far. Sagiv Jehezkel who also scored one of the goals against Tiberias and added an assist, kept his place on the wing while Osher Davida returned to the starting line up on the opposite flank. Elad Madmon led the line as the 21-year-old who is one appearance short of his 50th Maccabi appearance will be seeking to increase his overall tally of 6 goals in all competitions since joining the club last season.

On the bench alongside goalkeeper Ofek Melika, Lazetic named: Roy Revivo, Kervin Andrade, Raz Shlomo, Noam Ben Harush, Ben Lederman, Itamar Noy, Ido Shahar and Ion Nicolaescu.

First Half

Around 6000 Maccabi fans made the short trip to Petah Tikva and gave the team the feeling as if this is a home fixture. Four minutes from the start Petah Tikva’s Idan Cohen was booked by referee Aviad Shiloah for tugging Sagiv Jehezkel’s shirt and preventing a counterattack. Four minutes later Dor Peretz forced a save from Petah Tikva’s keeper Omer Katz before Maccabi’s captain blasted the rebound high and wide.

At the opposite end Roi Mishpati was tested for the first time in the 15th minute as Noam Gissin picked the ball on the left before cutting inside and releasing a low drive which was equaled by the keeper. The deadlock was finally broken in the 19th minute as Peretz’s pressure on Petah Tikva’s defense saw the Maccabi captain gain possession and slip it to Osher Davida. The winger on his 100th appearance for Maccabi cut inside and blast a left foot drive that found the bottom far corner.

Right on the half hour mark Elad Madmon carved Petah Tikva’s defense open to release Denny Gropper who timed his run to perfection. With only the keeper to beat, Gropper, could have celebrated his Maccabi debut start with a goal, but Katz charged off his line and managed to block with his feet.

Second half

It took Maccabi a few minutes to gain composure after the interval as Petah Tikva appeared for the second half determined to try level the score. A Davida dangerous cross was missed by Peretz and Jehezkel. Kristijan Belic and Issouf Sissokho dominated the center of the pitch not giving their Petah Tikva opposite numbers an inch. In the 56th minute Jehezkel fed Peretz with a clever pass before Maccabi’s captain drilled in a low drive that beat Katz at his near post to double the lead.

Maccabi came close to score the third on 73 as Jehezkel carried a counterattack with a numerical advantage going forward as he slipped the ball to Peretz who was blocked for a corner. A minute later Lazetic made his first changes, introducing both Roy Revivo for Gropper and Kervin Andrade for Madmon.

In the 81st Jehezkel and Belic came off to a standing ovation as they were replaced by Ido Shahar and Itamar Noy. Less than a minute later Maccabi increased their lead even further. Davida won the ball deep inside Petah Tikva’s half before dribbling into the box and cutting back for Peretz who blasted home the third. Peretz received his standing ovation as he was replaced by Ion Nicolaescu for the closing stage. In the 89th minute Shiloah awarded Maccabi a penalty for a stamp in the box on Revivo. Shahar stepped up and successfully blasted the spot kick past Katz to score Maccabi’s fourth goal on the night and seal convincing 4-0 victory. Maccabi will now have three more days to recover and prepare for Saturday’s next league match at home to Hapoel Jerusalem.