Dor Peretz scored one of the goals to lead Maccabi to a convincing first half display that culminated with a 3-0 victory over Maccabi Haifa at Bloomfield. Four days after the disappointing performance in the Tel Aviv derby, the 31-year-old captain tried explaining the turnaround his side has been through in such a short period of time. “Sometimes there are matches that are less good, and that’s okay, but today we came with exactly the qualities we want to show. I was happy to see the Maccabi Tel Aviv that we all want to be part of, hungry, aggressive, attacking and creative.”

As Maccabi recorded their third victory over Haifa in the space of one month, twice in the league and once in the State Cup, Peretz admitted: “Let’s be honest, it’s been a weaker season for Maccabi Haifa, but we need to focus on our own situation. I see a process we’re going through, even within the setbacks and the less good games. This is a team going through a development process, and I’m happy to be part of it.”

The captain whose contract runs out in the summer was once again asked about his future as he said: “I’m part of this club, it runs through my veins,” Peretz continued. “Right now I’m here and I’m all in, and whatever happens in the future will happen in the future.”

Despite narrowing the gap from leaders Hapoel Be’ersheva and second place Beitar Jerusalem that dropped points on Tuesday, Peretz didn’t hide his disappointment from the fact Maccabi are no longer part of the title race: “Of course there’s a feeling of disappointment. We started getting ourselves into the race and then slipped up at certain moments, and unfortunately, we’re no longer part of the battle. We’ve gone through a season full of ups and downs, but from this situation there’s only room to learn. The young players here are taking something huge for their careers from this process.”

Peretz who scored a staggering 19 goals in all competitions and 16 in the league, paid tribute to his teammates and interim Head Coach Kenny Miller as he summed up: “Everyone here really rallies around me and supports me. Everyone wants what’s best for me personally, and I want what’s best for the team, so I’m happy it’s like that.”

Preview

Four days after the 1-1 draw in the Tel Aviv derby Maccabi returned to Bloomfield stadium for the MD33 WINNER League match against Maccabi Haifa. After beating Haifa twice last month 3-2 in the State Cup Semi Final at Teddy stadium and 3-1 on MD28 at Sammy Ofer, Maccabi will aim to record a first victory against Haifa this season at Bloomfield. Interim coach Kenny Miller whose side is third in the table with 62 points, will try guide Maccabi back to winning ways. With 12 points still left to play for, a victory could restore Maccabi’s lead from four place Hapoel Tel Aviv back to six points. But at the same time a victory could narrow the gap from second place Beitar to six points, before hosting them at Bloomfield on Saturday.

Miller didn’t make too many changes from the side that played in the derby as Sagiv Jehezkel was named at right back while Tyrese Asante moved across the back to partner Ali Camara as the two central defenders. Roy Revivo who is experiencing an extraordinary season after taking his assist tally to 12 in the league so far, recovered from the back injury which forced him to limp off at halftime against Hapoel. Revivo was back in the side at left back to complete the defensive line in front of goalkeeper Ofek Melika. Issouf Sissokho who completed his two-match touchline ban was also back in the side as the Mali midfielder slotted into the anchorman role behind Maccabi’s two top goalscorers Ido Shahar (12) and Dor Peretz (15). Kervin Andrade made his first start since the 3-2 victory over Ashdod in February, as the Venezuelan winger was named by Miller on the left wing. Emir Sahiti was named on the opposite right flank with Saied Abu Farchi leading the line.

On the bench alongside goalkeeper Roi Mishapti, Miller named Yonas Malede, Kristijan Belic, Elad Madmon, Noam Ben Harosh, Ben Lederman, Helio Varela, Itamar Noy and Itai Ben Hamo.

First half

Maccabi began the match on the front foot with Emir Sahiti and Saied Abu Farchi exchanging passes down the right to create a chance as early as the third minute. Abu Farchi’s backheel flick released Sahiti whose attempt of a cross was collected by Haifa’s keeper Shareef Keouf. A minute later Sahiti fired a left foot shot which sailed wide before Kervin Andrade blasted a low drive from the edge of the area that narrowly missed the target.

In the 14th minute the deadlock was finally broken with a spectacular solo effort by Jehezkel. Andrade’s skill took him past Haifa’s Jelle Bataille before switching sides with a long ball from left to right. Sahiti skipped over the ball letting it run to Jehezkel. The 31-year-old full-back picked the ball near the byline, cut towards the middle and sent a delicate chip which bent away from Keouf and sailed into the top corner. Dor Peretz came close to double Maccabi’s lead as he was put through by Roy Revivo but from a tight angle fired a weak shot which Keouf managed to catch. Ten minutes later Jehezkel turned provider as nothing could deny Peretz from taking his tally to 16 league goals and 19 in all competitions. Asante released Jehezkel who was given the time and space to deliver an accurate cut back for Peretz to sweep home with one touch. Maccabi continued to dominate as two minutes before the half hour mark Revivo fired a shot which crept wide of the far post.

Miller’s men completely outplayed Haifa as the 20-minute blitz saw their lead increased to 3-0 in the 34th minute. Revivo and Andrade exchanged passes down the left before Ido Shahar received the ball and blasted it into the top corner to silence the 3000 visiting fans and send 18,000 Maccabi fans up in the air. Peretz could have doubled his tally in the 40th minute after Asante sent him through on goal, but the attempt of Maccabi’s captain to lift the ball over the advancing Keouf sailed over. Ofek Melika made his first impact on the game in the 42nd minute as he pulled a reflex save to palm away a Trivante Stewart close range header.

Second half

Miller made no changes after the interval, while Ali Mohamad was introduced by Barak Bachar for Peter Agba at the restart. Ali Camara and Revivo were booked by referee Gal Levy for two mistimed tackles. Miller made two changes a minute after the hour mark as Andrade and Saied Abu Farchi both bowed out and were replaced by Helio Varela and Elad Madmon.

Four minutes later Shahar and Jehezkel almost swapped roles as the midfielder tied up the full back for a shot which narrowly missed the top corner. Two minutes later Shahar had an effort from inside the box which kept Keouf rooted to the ground, but the ball rolled wide of the post. A counterattack in the 71st minute tore Haifa apart as Asante carried the ball out of defense and released Sahiti who picked Varela but the Cape Verde winger curled his shot over. Miller made another double change on 75 as Shahar and Sahiti received a standing ovation as they were replaced by Noam Ben Harosh and Kristijan Belic. 

In the 86th minute Revivo was fouled near the corner of the area with the referee awarding a penalty. But VAR intervened, corrected the initial decision and Maccabi received a free kick which Asante headed over. Miller made his fifth and final change as Ben Lederman replaced Issouf Sissokho for the closing stages. The full-time whistle confirmed Maccabi’s third successive victory over Haifa which erased the memory of the 4-1 victory at Sammy Ofer earlier this season.

Roi Mishpati will remain at Maccabi until the end of the 2027/28 season after signing a two-year contract with an option to extend by one more season.

After signing his contract Mishpati said: “I am delighted to continue with the club that has become a home for me. In every match, it excites me to see our fans and feel their amazing support. I would like to thank Mitch and the management for their trust and appreciation. Over the past three years, we won five titles, and our ambition is to win more titles in the future as well.

Mishpati, joined Maccabi in summer of 2023, made 90 appearances in all competitions, and won five trophies: 2 League titles (23/24 and 24/25), 2 Toto Cups (23/24 and 24/25) and a Super Cup (24/25). In three seasons at Maccabi, he appeared in the Europa League group stage twice (24/25 and 25/26) and reached the Conference League Round of 16 (23/24), representing the club in 30 International appearances in the various European competitions.