Preview

Forty-eight days since the 3-2 victory over Ashdod on MD24 which was the last home league match, and a week after returning to league action with a 4-1 victory away to Hapoel Haifa – Maccabi returned to Bloomfield stadium. Ronny Deila’s side that are currently third in the table with 49 points, host leaders Hapoel Be’ersheva for MD26 of the WINNER League which will conclude the regular season. Deila will seek to extend the 5-match unbeaten run since he took charge but also to beat Be’ersheva for the first time this season and cut the seven-point gap from the top on the eve of the Playoff.

Deila kept an almost unchanged starting line-up from the side that won at Haifa apart from Heitor dis Santos who replaced Ali Camara at the heart of defense. The 25-year-old Brazilian teamed up with Tyrese Asante as the two central defenders in front of goalkeeper Ofek Melika. Roy Revivo, who added another assist to his name at Haifa to take his tally to 11 in all competitions started at left back. Noam Ben Harush completed Maccabi’s back-four on the opposite side. In midfield, Deila, who is still missing injured duo Kristijan Belic and Issouf Sissokho stuck with the same trio that dominated the match at Haifa. Itamar Noy continued in the anchorman role just behind Maccabi’s two leading goal-scorers Dor Peretz (13) and Ido Shahar (14). Helio Varela who scored his 4th goal at Haifa and Osher Davida who bagged his 6th were named by Deila on both flanks. Saied Abu Farchi who scored 5 goals in the league and 9 in all competitions this season led the line upfront aiming to reach double figures in his first season with the senior side.

On the bench, Deila received a boost following the return of Emir Sahiti, as the Kosovar winger was named among the substitutes together with: Roi Mishpati, Ali Camara, Sagiv Jehezkel, Raz Shlomo, Yonas Malede, Elad Madmon, Ben Lederman and Lotem Asres.

First Half

The match began with high tempo from both sides who wanted to make an early impact. Roy Revivo came close to draw first blood in the sixth minute following a cut back by Helio Varela. Revivo unleashed a powerful left foot drive that forced Be’ersheva’s keeper Niv Eliasi to stretch himself and palm the ball away. Two minutes later Be’ersheva struggled to clear the danger as the ball fell to Osher Davida whose volley cleared the crossbar. In the 19^th minute, Itamar Noy was the first player to go into the referee’s book for a professional foul on Kings Kangwa which stopped a Be’ersheva counterattack. Two minutes later Kangwa came close as he latched on a loose ball and blasted a low powerful drive which narrowly missed the target.

Be’ersheva began to dominate pressing Maccabi in their own half as the visitors took the lead in the 28th minute. Mohamad Abu Rumi curled a cross into the box that eluded Maccabi’s defense allowing Eliel Peretz to nod the ball past Ofek Melika from close range. Two minutes after the half hour mark Abu Rumi tried catching Melika off guard with a powerful shot that Maccabi’s keeper parried away. Referee Gal Leibovic then booked Revivo in the 36th minute after he was judged to have fouled Abu Rumi.  

In the 42nd minute Leibovic was at the center of the action once again as Saied Abu Farchi went in for a tackle on Djibril Dio near the halfway line. Leibovic pulled out the red card, but the intervention of VAR saw the referee called to the screen before he changed his initial decision and replaced the red card with a yellow one. Abu Farchi’s Farchi’s fifth card prevented him from a dismissal but will sideline him from Wednesday’s State Cup Semi Final against Maccabi Haifa.

On the stroke of halftime, Be’ersheva thought they had doubled their lead as pressure on Noy and Heitor gifted Amir Ganah with the ball inside Maccabi’s box. Melika managed to save Gana’s initial shot, before Kangwa beat Noy on the goal-line to push the ball over the line. But the visitors’ celebrations were short-lived as VAR spotted the Zambian using his hand to score and the goal was scratched off.

Second Half

The second half began almost exactly as the first one ended with Kangawa denied a chance to double the score. Be’ersheva’s midfielder stripped Noam Ben Harush of the ball on the halfway line and charged forward but Melika pulled a stunning save with his feet to keep Maccabi in the game. In the 53rd minute a Heitor shot deflected off the hand of Lucas Ventura and sailed over. VAR intervened and called Leibovic to the screen once again as Maccabi were awarded a penalty. Abu Farchi stepped up, sent Eliasi the wrong way and levelled the score. But Be’ersheva responded almost instantly to restore their lead right from the kickoff after Kangwa received the ball from Peretz skipped past a Tyrese Asante challenge charged and beat Melika with a deadly strike.

Deila made a double substitution in the 63rd minute as Sagiv Jehezkel and Emir Sahiti replaced Ben Harush and Davida. Deila made another double substitution on 77 as Noy and Varela bowed out and were replaced by Elad Madmon and Yonas Malede. Ali Camara stepped in for Heitor in the 80th minute as Deila made his fifth and final change for the closing stages.

Camara came close in yhe 87th minute as he rose high to head Ido Shahar’s free kick but from the goalmouth couldn’t keep his header down.Shortly after the 4th official raised his sign for eight minutes of added time, Dor Peretz had a half volley saved by Eliasi from a corner. The resulting corner saw Be’ersheva block Maccabi’s attempt before Kangwa charged forward for a counterattack bursting for the half the length of the pitch. This time the Zambian gave Melika no chance as blasted his shot into the top corner to seal Macabi’s fate with the third.
Deep inside injury time Madmon tried a solo run into the box, but his effort was blocked for a corner. The final whistle confirmed that was not going to be Maccabi’s night as attention now turns to the Cup.

The MD26 WINNER League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Be’ersheva will be the 138^th time both teams face each other in the league. The overall record currently stands on 65 Maccabi victories, 32 Be’ersheva victories while 40 matches ended in a draw and a goal tally of 193-116.

Maccabi hosted Be’ersheva on 70 league matches of which 40 matches were won, 20 drawn and 10 lost with a goal tally of 110-47.
Over the past four seasons (2022-2025), all four of the home matches in the regular season against Be’ersheva ended with the same result – a 1-0 victory for Maccabi.

Since the start of the 2018/19 season, Maccabi has a 14-match unbeaten run against Be’ersheva at home of which 9 matches were won and 5 drawn. This is the longest unbeaten home against Be’ersheva, and the 10th longest unbeaten home unbeaten run against any opponent in the club’s history.

A total of 334 Maccabi players featured against Be’ersheva. Sheran Yeini holds the appearance record with 34 matches while Dor Peretz is second with 29 appearances.

Eighty seven Maccabi players scored against Be’ersheva as Benny Tabak leads the chart with 9 goals. Eli Driks and Eran Zahavi are in the joint second place with 8 goals to their name.

Maccabi at the end of the regular season:

Until the 1986/87 season (with the exception of the 1966-68 campaign, which lasted two years and four rounds), the league followed a classic round-robin format, at the end of which the Champions and relegated teams were determined. Since 1987/88, a Playoff or three rounds was added (with a temporary return to a round-robin format between 1995-1999).

Since the 2012/13 season under the current league format, 14 clubs play two full rounds and a total of 26 matches. After Matchday 26, the regular season is concluded and the Playoff begins.

Since the State of Israel was founded (73 seasons), Maccabi finished the regular season 19 times in the top spot – the most in the league. Maccabi Haifa finished 16 times in second place. On 11 Eleven occasions finishing top at the end of the regular season, resulted by winning the title (no Playoff). In the other 8 seasons, Maccabi also went on to win the title after the Playoff.

In the 2024/25 and 2002/03 seasons, Maccabi won the league title despite not finishing top at the end of the regular season.

Maccabi’s record on the final day of 73 regular-season’s match currently stands on: 37 victories, 12 draws, and 22 defeats with a goal tally of: 118-76.

Under the current format, Maccabi’s record on Matchday 26 (final round of the regular season) stands on 11 victories, 2 draws and goal tally of 30-6.

The biggest victory in a final regular-season match was recorded in the 1997/98 campaign – a 7-1 victory over Ironi Ashdod. Ben Luz (2), Nir Klinger, Efi Tzafrir, Haim Hajaj, Guy Tzarfati, and Alec Nilesh were on target.

Maccabi faced 25 different opponents on the final matchday. Hapoel Tel Aviv (9), Hapoel Petah Tikva (8), Hapoel Haifa (7 including the last 3 seasons). Sunday’s match will be the 6^th time Maccabi faces Hapoel Be’ersheva on the final day of the regular season.

Benny Tabak made the most appearances as a Maccabi player on the final day of the regular season with 16 matches between 1973-1989, excluding 1985. Miko Belo (15) and Eli Driks (13) are in second and third place respectively.

Eran Zahavi is the top scorer on the final day of the regular-season with 8 goals in 7 matches, including a hat-trick in the 3-2 derby win in 2013/14.

Itamar Noy marked his 37th appearance in a Maccabi shirt during the 4-1 victory over his former club Hapoel Haifa and had a solid performance at the heart of midfield. Noy, who joined Maccabi in the summer is set to continue in the anchorman role for the top of the table clash against Hapoel Be’ersheva at Bloomfield. “We feel in good shape” Noy said in Friday’s Press Conference. “We trained well and worked hard during this period. Now everyone is together, feeling good, and ready for any match that comes.”
Ahead of the match against the leaders, Noy added: “Our focus needs to be on continuing the path we’re on, attacking and proactive football. Mentally, we’ll need to be strong and united. We’re ready for this match.”

With Maccabi currently third in the table with 49 points, seven adrift of Be’ersheva, as the regular season will reach its end and the Playoff will begin, Noy said: “We are in a situation where every match is critical. This is a big game, and right now our focus is on Sunday, to achieve the best result we can. I hope we come in the way we know how, continue the good momentum, and take the three points.”

On how Maccabi will approach the match, Noy didn;t give too much away: “We have our preparation, I won’t go into too much detail. We’ve been building something here recently. We’re doing things the way the coach and staff want. Each week we need to take another step forward in that direction. When we’re all focused on the same goal and method, this is a strong team that can do very good things.”

On not having beaten the top teams so far this season: “There were too many matches where we should have done better and won against the big teams. That’s something we know we need to improve. Now is our time to prove that we belong at the top and that the path we’re on will take us to where we truly deserve to be.”

On his connection with the foreign players during this period, Noy, added: “We try to explain this unusual situation. To make people understand that it’s not always simple. The club supports them very well and helps them, and as players we try to explain the situation and assist as much as we can. I’ve spoken with them quite a lot. We try to be there for them in anything they need and show them that we’re all in this together and will try to make the most of it.”

Osher Davida, scored his third league goal and 6^th in all competitions this season as he was on target during Maccabi’s emphatic 4-1 victory away to Hapoel Haifa. While Maccabi remains third in the table, the victory, narrowed the gap from second place Beitar Jerusalem, a week before hosting leaders Hapoel Be’ersheva for the final match of the regular season.

Davida’s goal on the stroke of halftime, was Maccabi’s third which ended a convincing first half on the way to a convincing victory. The 25-year-old, who was also involved in one of the other goals, admitted after the match: “First, I am happy with the first half. Not just because of the goals, we made good attacking movements and executed patterns we have been working on in training. It was great to see that it works. In the second half we struggled, especially in the first 30 minutes. We need to understand why that happened, fix it and improve. On the contrary, at 3-0 we should enjoy the football even more and score additional goals. Still, it is not easy after almost a month and a half without playing. I am happy that from the first minute we showed that we’re here, and I hope we continue like this next week.”

On his and Maccabi’s season so-far, Davida said: “The first two-thirds (of the season) were difficult. Since Ronny Deila arrived, this is already my second goal in four or five matches. I am happy and hope to continue delivering for the team and for myself.”

With several of his foreign teammates absent through various reasons, Davida admitted: “Some of the foreign players are injured, so it’s not entirely relevant. Ion Nicolaescu will only be available next season, and I hope Kristijan Belic returns as soon as possible. I think they are important for the team, but to be honest, if I were in their place, I don’t know what decision I would make, as this is not a normal situation. I appreciate everyone who is here and I have thanked them personally. Anyone who wants to be here is welcome, and those who don’t, we understand that as well. In the end, we’re a strong enough team.”

On the fact matches are currently staged behind closed doors due to the restrictions of the Home Front Command, Davida said: “It is not fun, especially for a big club like ours that needs the fans with us. We have no control over it. I hope the fans will return very soon.”

Maccabi’s Head Coach Ronny Deila whose side returned to league action after a month long break due to the war with Iran, guided the team to a 4-1 victory at Sammy Ofer over Hapoel Haifa. At the end of the game the Norwegian coach said: “It has been a difficult month for everyone. Even today, I heard about the terrible incident in Haifa and my thoughts are with those affected, that’s more important than football. As for the match, I think we played a fantastic first half. The way the players performed today was excellent. We played with tempo and patience, reacted well, and pressed them effectively in their own half. In the second half we had more problems, these are things we’ll need to work on and respond better to changes.”

Deila, who is missing several foreign players from his squad, admitted: “I have spoken with all of them, and I hope more players will arrive during the week. We need to respect everyone. The club is doing everything in the way it supports us, and we will do everything we can to make it as comfortable as possible in the current situation to be part of the team. We want everyone here.”

Ahead of next week’s match against leaders Hapoel Be’ersheva at Bloomfield which would end the regular season and set the tone for the Playoff, Deila said: “Right now, it’s theirs to lose, that’s for sure. We want to win every match. We were dominant before the break and again today. Be’ersheva is a different game, so far they’ve been the best team, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

At the start of his remarks, Ido Shahar addressed the missile impact in Haifa earlier and said: “We heard that Haifa went through a difficult evening. From here, I want to pray that everyone is found safe and well. The north is going through a tough time. I want to say thank you and pray for the safety of our soldiers, thanks to them, we are here.”

The 24-year-old midfielder, then spoke about the circumstances in which the match was played, after scoring a goal to take his tally to 10 league goals this season: “The feeling of returning to play is amazing. As much as possible, we can give fans two hours of disconnection from everything that’s happening. We’re happy to be back playing. I dedicate this win to the soldiers, we are glad to give them every moment of joy and happiness that we can.”

On Maccabi’s mindset, Shahar added: “I can say that we are coming back with maximum hunger and readiness. As a team and as a club, we are very hungry, we have been waiting to play and to complete our objectives.”

As Maccabi narrowed the gap from Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Be’ersheva, Shahar said: “We never gave up for a second, and we’re not giving up. We’re just trying to press the gas. Next week we have Hapoel Be’ersheva, we hope to win and we approach it like any other match.”

Shahar, who became a father for the first time last week, explained his cradle celebration after scoring:
“Today I arrived at the team hotel after my son’s brit, so it was for him and for my wife.”

Preview

Thirty-six days of an imposed break due to the war with Iran came to an end as Maccabi Tel Aviv returned to league action for the WINNER League MD25 match away to Hapoel Haifa.

Ronny Deila’s charges that are currently third in the table with 46 points, arrived as Sammy Ofer stadium to play the match which was rescheduled from February 28th. On the penultimate match of the regular season, Maccabi’s task is clear – beating Hapoel Haifa and narrowing the gap from second place Beitar Jerusalem and leaders Hapoel Be’ersheva that arrive at Bloomfield next week.

Ofek Melika who kept two clean sheets with Israel’s U-21’s during the international break made his 20th appearance in goal. Ali Camara and Tyrese Asante lined-up as the two central defenders in front of Melika with Roy Revivo named at left back. Noam Ben Harush on the right completed Maccabi’s defensive line as he and Itamar Noy faced their former club and were honored by the host club before kickoff. Maccabi’s top goal scorers Ido Shahar (9) and Dor Peretz (10), completed Maccabi’s midfield trio. Osher Davida on one wing and Helio Varela on the other supplied the width to Deila’s team with Saied Abu Farchi leading the line.

Deila, who was missing Emir Sahiti, Heitor dos Santos, Kervin Andrade and Kristijan Belic, named Roi Mishpati, Sagiv Jehezkel, Raz Shlomo, Yonas Malede, Elad Madmon, Ben Lederman, Itai Ben Hemo, Lotem Asres and Ilay Ben Simon on the substitutes bench.

First Half

Infront of an empty stadium and with only 150 people present including both teams, the hosts came close to to draw first blood in the opening minute after Alon Turgeman exploited a mistake by Tyrese Asante to charge forward but Maccabi’s defense recovered in time. 

In the the sixth minute. Maccabi came even closer to score as Noam Ben Harush’s cross from the right found Saied Abu Farchi whose powerful header was saved by Yoav Gerafi. Heio Varela pounced on the rebound and sent a half volley towards goal which Gerafi punched away once again.

The hosts enjoyed a decent spell yet were unable to create any clear chances, but in the 24th minute Gerafi rescued them from conceding. Ido Shahar carved Haifa’s defense open as he released Dor Peretz into the box before Maccabi’s captain burst forward but was equaled by Gerafi before Varela curled the ball wide. Two minutes later the deadlock was finally broken as Ivan Kricak just managed to clear from the goalmouth. before Ali Camara could nod home. Haifa’s defense struggled to clear the danger before Osher Davida’s effort was initially saved by Gerafi who could do nothing to keep out Peretz from sweeping the rebound home.

Peretz continued to look dangerous as six minutes after the half hour mark Peretz almost doubled Maccabi’s lead as his shot from the edge of the area struck the base of the post. Two minutes later Maccabi’s other top scorer got his name on the scoresheet as Roy Revivo curled a pinpoint cross into the path of Shahar. The diminutive 24-year-old midfielder then flicked with his head to score his 10th league goal and 14 in all competitions.

Seconds after the fourth official raised his sign for two minutes of added time, Maccabi increased their lead to three with a clinical counter attack. Itamar Noy released the ball out of defense with a pass to Saied Abu Farchi who was in the center circle. Abu Farchi released Shahar who burst forward and passed to Peretz who released Davida. The pacey winger curled a left foot shot which Gerafi couldn’t keep out.

Second Half

Maccabi began the second half where they left off and almost increase their lead on 52. Shahar burst through the middle and saw his shot struck the post and hit Gerafi who managed to save Davida’s headed rebound. Two minutes later however Haifa cut the deficit as Turgeman was released before squeezing a low drive which beat Ofek Melika at the near post to make it 3-1. Revivo tried his luck with a thunderbolt from the edge of the area in the 63rd minute which was punched away by Gerafi who also managed to deny Varela three minutes later. 

Deila made a double substitution in the 77th minute as Raz Shlomo replaced Ben Harush while Sagiv Jehezkel came on for Davida. Shlomo partnered Camara at the heart of defense with Tyrese Asante moving to the right back role. In the 83rd minute, Jehezkel who received the ball from Shahar cut the ball back for Varela who turned and fired a right foot shot into the top corner for the fourth. This was Varela’s final contribution on the night as Deila made three more changes a minute later with Varela, Noy, and Abu Farchi bowing out as Ben Lederman, Elad Madmon and Yonas Malede coming on for the closing stages.

Yoav Mizrahi’s full time whistle ended the contest as Maccabi now have a week before hosting Be’ersheva at Bloomfield.