Idan Nachmias experienced a roller coaster ride of a match against Ironi Tiberias. The 27-year-old defender scored an early goal which was disallowed, before dropping a two-goal-lead on the way to a late 2-2 draw. After the match, Nachmias faced the TV cameras and said: “We were leading 2-0 against Tiberias away, move the ball, around and totally control the game. We dropped two valuable points here and now must look forward and try learning from these things. We must pick ourselves up, move on and ensure we are stronger and more powerful especially when we lead by two goals and should score the third and fourth. At situations like that, when we are dominating matches, we can’t concede goals. Now we will have to move on from here.”

Having failed to beat the newly promoted side in two attempts this season, Nachmias tried explaining how Maccabi struggle against teams from the lower half of the table: “It happened too many times that we dropped points at matches like this. It is never too late to learn, develop and improve. We will put our emphasis on that.”

Nachmias, who made his 12^th league appearance this season and is 7 matches short of 100 Maccabi appearances, added: “Regardless of the title race, when you are Maccabi Tel Aviv, you can’t afford to drop points against any team. We only focus on ourselves and the title race is still far ahead.”

Preview

Maccabi arrived at Nof Hagalil’s Green stadium for the MD18 WINNER League match away to Ironi Tiberias aiming to record their second victory in succession. Maccabi’s Head Coach, Zarko Lazetic, who is serving a one-match-touchline-ban made four changes from the side that beat Ashdod 5-1 at Bloomfield last week.

Roi Mishpati, making his 31st appearance this season and 65th for the club kept his place in goal. Raz Shlomo and Nemanja Stojic lined-up as the two central defenders in front Mishpati. Idan Nachmias on the right and Ofir Davidzada completed Maccabi’s back-four on the left. Joris van Overeem returned to the anchorman role just behind Gabi Kanichowsky and Dor Peretz who led the team out with the captain’s armband. Weslley Patati on one flank and Osher Davida on the other supplied the width to Maccabi’s formation with Dor Turgeman leading the line.

On the bench Lazetic named Shalev Sa’adya, Tyrese Asante, Eran Zahavi, Yonas Malede, Elad Madmon, Issouf Sissokho, Hisham Layous and Ido Shahar.

First Half

Supported by around 4000 travelling fans, Maccabi began the match with purpose and intention to score an early goal. It didn’t take long as in the third minute Tiberias struggled to deal with a Weslley Patati cross into the area which fell to Idan Nachmias who managed to push the ball home. But the celebrations of the central defender were short-lived as VAR spotted that Nachmias handed the ball before scoring and disallowed the goal. Six minutes later Dor Peretz flicked an Ofir Davidzada cross past Daniel Tenenbaum but this time the referee assistant raised his flag, and the goal was disallowed as well. Osher Davida almost surprised Tenenbaum in the 10^th minute as he spotted the former Maccabi keeper off his line and sent a delicate chip which narrowly missed the top corner. Maccabi continued to dominate and as Peretz’s claims for a penalty were waived by referee Dekel Tzino on 13.

In the 28th minute Patati curled a free kick from the edge of the area that landed on the roof of the net. A minute later Maccabi were forced to make the first change as Gabi Kanichowsky limped off and was replaced by Issouf Sissokho.

Tenebaum pulled a reflex save to deny a close-range-header by Peretz following a pinpoint Joris van Overeem cross. A minute later Dor Turgeman was tripped in the box and only the intervention of VAR saw Tzino point at the spot. Turgeman stepped up and buried the penalty beyond the reach of Tenenbaum to put Maccabi in front with his 7th league goal and 11th in all competitions.

Second Half

A minute after the restart Maccabi were awarded a free kick after Yonatan Tepper fouled Turgeman deep inside Tiberias’ half. Patati crossed the free kick into the box where Nemanja Stojic ghosted in at the far post and had his initial header saved before pushing the rebound home to double the lead.

Tiberias came close as Wahib Habiballa flicked a ball which struck the base of Roi Mishpati’s post. In the 52nd minute Tiberias cut the deficit as Bassem Za’arura was sent clear through before firing a shot that beat Mishpati and give the hosts a new lifeline. Two minutes later Maccabi’s bench made a second substitution as Eran Zahavi replaced Patati in a bid to kill the match off.

Maccabi continued to press forward as Zahavi missed a ball the rolled across the face of goal on 63 before Sissokho’s effort was saved by a combination of Tenenbaum and his crossbar.

Tenenbaum came to Tiberias’ rescue as he managed to push away another left foot curling effort by Davida on 81. Tiberias looked dangerous from set pieces as Metanel Tadesa headed a corner over from close range in the 83rd minute.

Hisham Layous and Elad Madmon came on for Davida and Turgeman on 86 as the duo were introduced for the closing stages. Less than a minute later Layous could have sealed the victory as he raced clear through but with only Tenenbaum to beat sent his shot straight at the keeper.

Inside injury time Tiberias scored a late equalizer as Maccabi struggled to clear a corner before Haroun Shapso blasted home from close range to make it 2-2. Tenenbaum saved a Layous half volley to deny Maccabi a goal and ensure the points are shared. Maccabi’s fifth draw of the season takes the point tally to 38 points, as attention now turns to Wednesday’s State Cup at against Maccabi Bnei Reineh at Bloomfield.

 

Osher Davida is experiencing a purple match as the 23-year-old winger scored two goals and assisted three more in Maccabi’s last three outings. Davida, who scored his second league goal this season in the 5-1 victory over Ashdod took his tally to six in all competitions.

Ahead of Saturday’s league match away to Ironi Tiberias, Davida, who is set to make his 70^th appearance for Maccabi, said: “We remember the first match against them which was played behind closed doors at Bloomfield due to the (security) situation, which is also a good chance to wish for all the hostages to be returned home as quick as possible. We can’t forget that match, they made good results against the big clubs recently. We are not going to change too many things to our preparations just like we prepare for every match. We will know how to make the necessary adaptations and hope to win this match.”

On the fact Maccabi scored 19 goals in the last 6 outings both in the league, State Cup and Toto Cup, Davida said: “I think that recently we are bonding more in terms of our attack. It was clear to me that it will come, we spend more time with each other, let us hope we continue this way.”

After a hectic schedule which saw Maccabi play 11 matches in the space of 38 days and before starting another run – the team enjoyed a week of preparations.

“Wow, we haven’t had that for a long time. It was fun, we had two days of rest, and now we begin a spell of 7 matches in 20 or so days. Ultimately, to play matches every three days is a lot of fun.”

Trying to explain what it feels like to face tight defenses, week in week out, Davida said: “What worked (against Ashdod) worked against Maccabi Petah Tikva as well. In the first half we tried playing in our way but conceded from counter attacks. At halftime, the coach reminded us of what we are working on in training and managed to put us back on track. As soon as we did it in the second half, played with patience – the goals came.”

Davida, who assisted Eran Zahavi’s goal with a pinpoint cross, spoke of playing alongside the veteran marksman: “When people outside the game speak about a player who score a goal or two, they say he must start, and when he doesn’t score, they knock him down. As you all know Eran is the biggest professional there is regardless, if he plays or not, he remains the same and gives everything. I really enjoy playing alongside him, as you all know who Eran is – the same player he was last season. Every minute he receives he gives everything, and to score goals he knows better than anyone.”

 

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC agreed to release Nir Bitton as the 33-year-old defender will be joining Ashdod SC.

Nir Bitton joined Maccabi in the summer of 2022, made 51 appearances in all competitions, winning 4 titles: 1 League Championship (23/24), 2 Toto Cups (23/24, 24/25) and 1 Super Cup (24/25).

Thank you Nir and good luck.