Preview

After a three-week absence Maccabi returned to Bloomfield stadium for the much-awaited top of the table clash against Hapoel Be’ersheva. With both teams on 70 points and only two goals separating between them in the league standings, plenty is at stake in the title race. Having beaten Be’ersheva once in the regular season at Bloomfield (1-0) and once in the playoff at Turner (3-1), Zarko Lazetic’s charges would like to extend their unbeaten record against the Southerners this season. The business end of the 2024/25 WINNER League campaign means that every advantage gained at this match could prove vital to decide the fate of the closest championship race in years.

Zarko Lazetic made no changes to the side that beat Hapoel Haifa 3-1 at Sammy Ofer last week. Simon Sluga kept his place in goal with Stav Lemkin and Nemanja Stojic lining up as the two central defenders in front of the Croatian custodian. Idan Nachmias on the right making his 105th Maccabi appearance and Roy Revivo on the left, completed the back-four. Joris van Overeem in the anchorman role was handed his 110th appearance in Yellow and Blue sitting behind Gabi Kanichowsky and Dor Peretz. Maccabi’s midfield trio were facing a tough battle at the center of the park from Be’ersheva’s Lucas Ventura, Eliel Peretz and Kings Kangwa. Osher Davida on one wing and Weslley Patati who scored a brace at Turner on the other flak supplied the width to Maccabi’s formation. While Dor Turgeman who scored 17 goals in all competitions including a spectacular solo effort that won the previous match against Be’ersheva at Bloomfield, led the attack.

On the bench Lazetic named goalkeeper Roi Mishpati, Tyrese Asante, Eran Zahavi, Raz Shlomo, Elad Madmon, Henry Addo, Ofir Davidzada, Issouf Sissokho, and Ido Shahar who all waited for a chance to make an impact.

Prior to kick-off several ceremonies took place in memory of two former players Andreas Prohorenkovs (48) and David Karako (80) who passed away last week. Two of the hostages who were released from captivity in Gaza; Arbel Yehud and Omer Shem Tov – were presented with their shirts as was Dan Biton who left Maccabi and joined Be’ersheva earlier this season.

First Half

Bloomfield stadium was packed to its capacity as a wall of noise and sea of color welcomed both sets of players. For the first time this season at a big fixture at Bloomfield, Be’ersheva had 3000 traveling fans who supported the visitors. Four minutes from the start a long ball out of defense almost caught Be’ersheva’s defense off-guard as Osher Davida put pressure on Matan Baltaxa and stripped the defender of the ball. But as the former Maccabi defender managed to recover on time as his last gasp tackle blocked Davida’s effort allowing goalkeeper Niv Eliasi to collect the ball which bobbled into the air and deny Maccabi an early lead. In the 12th minute two other former Maccabi players combined as Eliel Pertetz fed Dan Biton who received the ball just inside Maccabi’s area. The left footed midfielder cut onto his left, shrugged off Nemanja Stojic and buried his shot in Simon Sluga bottom corner to put the visitors in front. It took Maccabi 8 minutes to recover from Be’ersheva’s lead as Zarko Lazetic’s side attacked the visitors’ goal ferociously. Weslley Patati tried his luck with a left foot shot which was equaled by Eliasi. A minute later Joris van Overeem’s pressure pinned Kings Kangwa near his own corner flag before the Dutchman fed Osher Davida who broke into the area and cut the ball to Dor Turgeman. Maccabi’s top scorer must have thought he added another goal to his tally as he swept it with one touch towards goal, but Eliasi stretched himself across his goal line and somehow managed to block for a corner. The resulting corner found Roy Revivo unmarked inside the area but the full back who met the cross with a powerful header sent it over the crossbar.

Three minutes after the half hour mark Maccabi were rewarded for their efforts as Revivo fed Patati whose left foot powerful drive from a tight angle managed to confuse Eliasi who turned it into his own goal. Bloomfield erupted as Maccabi continued their blitz and came close two minutes later. A counterattack which deep inside Maccabi’s half was flicked by Dor Peretz into the path of Gabi Kanichowsky before Patati picked Davida in a great position. But Davida’s his first time shot was blocked by the feet of Eliasi who denied Maccabi what would have been an impressive comeback. In the 39th minute however Be’ersheva were handed a good chance to regain their lead as Kangwa charged through the middle before being tripped on the edge of the area by Nemanja Stojic. The Serbian central defender was consequently booked and Be’ersheva awarded a free kick. Biton stepped and before blasting a left foot shot which shaved the top of the crossbar. On the brink of halftime Sluga managed to save with his feet a close range toe poke by Paul Garita which could have given Be’ersheva the lead just before the break.  

Second Half

With no change to either side at the interval, both teams emerged for the restart determined to try and break the status quo. Baltaxa tripped Peretz seconds before he was cautioned by referee Gal Leibovic for a rough challenge on Patati. Right on the hour mark Joris van Overeem teed up Revivo on the edge of Beersheva’s area only for his snapshot to sail wide of the near post.

Two minutes later at the opposite end, Stav Lemkin, managed to block a Biton shot which appeared to be making its way in. Kanichowsky drilled a low powerful drive on 64 which was directed straight at Eliasi. A minute later a Zahi Ahmed sent a square ball which rolled across the face of Maccabi’s goal as Be’ersheva looked dangerous going forward.

In the 70th minute Beersheva’s coach Ran Kuzukh introduced Alon Turgeman for Paul Garita while two minutes later Lazetic made his first change as Issouf Sissokho came on for van Overeem. Maccabi’s best chance to score came in the 73^rd minute as a spectacular counterattack on saw Kanichowsky release Davida down the right. The pacey winger broke into the area before squaring for Peretz who charged to the middle of the area. But Maccabi’s captain who was in a glorious position to score miscued his shot as he sliced the ball wide. Miguel Vitor fouled Turgeman deep inside Beersheva’s area before Revivo took the free kick which sailed high and wide. Lazetic made a double change in the 84th minute as Patati and Turgeman both bowed out and were replaced by Henry Addo and Eran Zahavi. Second later Maccabi almost took the lead as Peretz had a powerful drive from inside the area which Eliasi managed to save. The full-time whistle confirmed that the points were shared, and the title race will continue for three more matches.

Dor Peretz is completing his 10^th full season at Maccabi Tel Aviv’s senior team. The 29-year-old midfielder who scored 10 league goals and a total of 17 in 48 appearances all competitions is enjoying the best form of his career.

Peretz, who is experienced at title races as his personal trophy cabinet already contains 4 domestic championships said ahead of the top of the table clash against Hapoel Be’ersheva: “We are enjoying the journey we’re going through as the process of coming together as a team and as a club. I think we’re managing to enjoy it despite the pressure. Ultimately, the end result is a something which is a result of the entire journey. It’s a long road, and we’re succeeding in enjoying it as well.”

As the tightest championship races in recent years sees Maccabi level on points with Be’ersheva with only two goals separating the two sides in the standings, Peretz reflected: “There have been battles, not as close as this one, but even last season when we arrived at Haifa’s Sammy Ofer stadium the gap could have narrowed. Every title race is full of emotions, pressure, and excitement. This season’s battle for the championship is particularly challenging and interesting. We’re here to give our best every day and enter this forthcoming match as best prepared as possible.”

In three encounters so far, Maccabi beat Be’ersheva 1-0 at Bloomfield and were held to a 2-2 draw at Turner in the regular season before recording a 3-1 victory in the Playoff at Turner in March. “It’s a game of wisdom” Peretz said ahead of the fourth and final match between the two this season. “Understanding how to play in such a match, when it’s filled with emotions and energy, knowing how to channel that in the right direction and force them to do the opposite. We are preparing as we do for every match. Of course, this is a special match, and our level of preparation ss as a team is very high.”

“This match will be very significant for both sides, and we want to continue the positive momentum we have against them,” he added. As Maccabi’s run-in includes three tough matches after Be’ersheva, a short trip to Maccabi Netanya on MD34 followed by another visit to Sammy Ofer where they face Maccabi Haifa before ending the season on MD36 at home against Beitar Jerusalem, Peretz said: “There are still many challenging matches ahead. The season isn’t over yet, but this game will inject a lot of energy and momentum for whoever wins it.”

On dealing with the pressure, at such matches, Peretz concluded: “In many matches this season, we were with a rope around our necks and had to get the points no matter what. I think I’m prepared, and we are prepared, for every match with maximum readiness. I believe the intelligence of the players will win the match, beyond just the ability on the pitch.”

As all the Season Tickets to Maccabi Tel Aviv’s matches were sold last season, the Club is happy to announce the renewal period for the 2025/26 campaign gets underway at 17:00 today (Wednesday). This season the first ones to renew their Season Tickets and secure their seats at Bloomfield stadium are FOREVER members who enjoy a priority.

FOREVER before everyone: This season as well FOREVER members will continue to enjoy a 5% discount from the price of the season ticket at the time of the purchase. FOREVER club members will enjoy a priority and discounted price in purchasing tickets, a welcome gift and more.

For your information, as all the seats on offer are already occupied by season tickets holders, there will be no sale of new season tickets and changing your seat at the stadium will not be available this season.

Season tickets renewal time and joining FOREVER membership club:

May 14^th – Season Tickets renewal for FOREVER club members only: Every FOREVER club member with a Season Ticket should receive an Email with a purchase demand to renew the subscription for his seat at a FOEVER reduced price. Whoever purchases a membership after May 14^th will receive the reduced purchase demand within 2 working days.

* Please note that the FOREVER Lite membership scheme doesn’t include a discount for the Season Ticket renewal.

May 22^nd – The renewal period for the remaining 2024/25 Season Ticket holders: Every member will receive an Email with a purchase demand to renew the Season Ticket and reserve his seat.

June 11^th the end of the Season Ticket renewal period.

* Important! Please note that the FOREVER club membership subscription is done with the same Email account the season ticket is linked to.

How to renew a Season Ticket?

Swiftly and easily ! Every Season Ticket holder who had a membership during the 2024/25 season, will receive an Email containing a link with a purchase demand to renew his subscription. All you have to do is insert your credit card details and select the number of payments.

In the event you encountered a problem, please contact via a WhatsApp message to 050-3002526 (recommended!) or via Email to Maccabi@leaan.co.il

For any other question you are invited to enter our FAQ page

For stadium entry and behavior regulations as well as usage of tickets and season tickets click here

Maccabi Tel Aviv is happy to launch a new season of our official FOREVER membership club and continue to give you a lot more Maccabi, and before everyone!

In recent years we managed to learn your preferences as we made it our target to initiate more activities and benefits that gave you a true added value as fans of Israel’s leading football club. We believe that ‘A lot more Maccabi’ is the catchphrase behind an entire concept which places you, FOREVER club members, as the centre of attention.

In addition, we are happy to announce that this season the benefits you will enjoy were cherry picked based on surveys and discussions we held with club members.

To join FOREVER click here

This season one could not join FOREVER during the Season Tickets renewal process.

Benefits for FOREVER and FOREVER+ members.

– * A 5% discounted subscription rate on the purchase of a season ticket

-An NIS 100 gift voucher which can be redeemed in the clubs official stores and online store.

-Discounted tickets for home matches

-Priority in purchasing tickets for Maccabi matches throughout the season.

-A complimentary ticket for a selected match during the 2025/26 season. Exclusive for FOREVER+ members

-Receive double points for away matches as per the Points Allocation System – Exclusive for FOREVER+ members|

-Several benefits, exclusive events and special discounts!

-To become a member of FOREVER please click here

FOREVER Lite membership scheme

In addition to FOREVER+ and FOREVER membership schemes this season as well one could join our reduced membership scheme FOREVER Lite. Those who join could enjoy the variety of benefits offered to FOREVER members such as priority in purchasing tickets, exclusive meetings the first team players, exclusive discounts at the club’s official stores, trips to away matches at a subsidised cost, special viewings as well as other surprises throughout the season.

This scheme does not include the discount for the purchase of the 2025/26 Season Ticket or the signing on gift – the NIS 100 voucher for purchases at the official and online stores as well as the exclusive benefits of FOREVER+ club members.

As part of the agreement, PUMA will supply performance apparel; playing and training kits as well as fashion items for the senior team, youth department, and the club’s staff. In addition, Maccabi and PUMA will collaborate on the creation of unique, co-designed collections that reflect the Club’s identity, values and meet the requirements of the players and fans.

Maccabi joins a prestigious list of European super clubs with PUMA as their official kit manufacturer – Manchester City, AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Olympique de Marseille as well as many National Teams including Portugal.

This partnership places Maccabi alongside the world’s elite and strengthens PUMA’s presence in the Israeli landscape.

The decision to partner with PUMA was driven not only by the fact it is a leading global sportswear brand but also by its deep understanding of the Club’s requirements – particularly the need for broad design flexibility, allowing Maccabi to preserve its unique and innovative kit identity each season. This approach lays the foundations for a long-term partnership which places the Club and supporters at its heart.

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC’s VP Trade and Business Development, Daniel Levy, said: “At Maccabi, we strive for excellence both on and off the pitch. In PUMA, we’ve found the ideal official kit partner – a company with global experience, a visionary design approach, and a deep understanding of the importance of a unique visual identity every season. We are thrilled to begin a partnership which will bring great value to the Club, the players, and our fans.”

PUMA’s representative in Israel, Yossi Irani, added: “Maccabi Tel Aviv FC represents excellence, tradition, and loyalty. We are proud to welcome Maccabi into our global family of elite clubs and to become the official kit supplier of Israel’s leading football club.”

PUMA is one of the world’s foremost sportswear companies, with over seven decades of innovation and creativity in sport and fashion. Operating in over 120 countries, PUMA has an enviable and thoroughly deserved reputation for working at the cutting edge of sports and leisure apparel and is one of football’s best-known brands. PUMA is renowned for its high standards, forward-thinking design, and partnerships with top athletes, teams, and brands. Over the years, PUMA has played a role in historic achievements on the global sports stage. Specializing in the football world, PUMA established itself as a major force, both through iconic football boots and through the design of the kits of leading national teams and clubs. From Pele and Maradona to national teams like Italy, Switzerland, Uruguay and elite clubs from around the world – PUMA accompanies the greatest players in all their peak moments. PUMA continues to empower athletes and communities with cutting-edge technology, contemporary style, a deep connection to the global fan community and a strong commitment to sustainability.

The PUMA fashion brand is represented in Israel by the Factory 54 Group and is sold on the Factory 54 website and in the flagship stores at the Tel Aviv Port and Ramat Aviv shopping mall.

As we approach Memorial Day for Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror, we pause to honor those we lost – through the music that tells their story.

In a special remembrance project, families of Maccabi fans who fell on and since October 7th created a living memorial of sound: a playlist, crafted from songs they dedicated to their beloved ones.

Each family sent us a single song – a song that holds a memory, a story, a trait, or the very spirit of the one who is no longer with us. Woven together, these songs form more than an emotional playlist in their memory. Through these songs they loved, through the music they left behind, we remember how deeply they are missed.

May their memories be a blessing.

May their songs never fade.

Idan Nachmias marked his 104^th Maccabi appearance with an assist as he set-up Dor Peretz’s second goal which completed a three-goal comeback. Nachmias, who saw Dor Hugi give Hapoel Haifa an early lead before Weslley Patati leveled the score in the first half and Peretz scored two quick goals after the hour mark, said at the end: “The first half was very messy, as Hapoel Haifa are an excellent side at home, and we all saw all the other cubs struggle here. During the interval we analyzed the actions we should have done better, areas we should have reached, and felt a lot better in the second half. In football, at least to my knowledge, after one or two poor results, the match which takes you out of the bad momentum is never easy. I am happy that in the second half we knew to put our foot down a little more and make it a lot easier for ourselves.”

Nachmias, who was complimented for his performances, added: “Two years ago I suffered a serious knee injury and before the injury I had around three months under Vladimir Ivic where I wasn’t even in the squad. To return like that from injury is something which is really pleasing, and I would only like to maintain stability and help the team as much as possible.”

Ahead of next week’s top of the table clash against Hapoel Be’ersheva at Bloomfield, Nachmias said: “Every match against Be’ersheva, against Maccabi Haifa or against Beitar Jerusalem is another match for the title. It is a very big match, but we have experience in matches like that and we will do what we need to do in order to be ready.”