Beitar Jerusalem secured a 3-1 victory over Maccabi Petah Tikva in a match held this week, marking a notable improvement in the team's performance under head coach Almog Cohen. The win, achieved in front of more than 21,000 fans, provided a much-needed boost for the capital club, which now holds a 2-2 record in the league.
From the outset, Beitar implemented a high-pressing strategy aimed at disrupting Maccabi Petah Tikva’s play, cutting off their passing options and creating multiple scoring opportunities. This aggressive approach paid off early when Tomer Yosefi delivered a precise assist to striker Shon Weissman, who scored with a composed finish for his first league goal of the season. Weissman’s contribution not only set the tone for the match but also came after four games without a goal, showcasing his potential as a key offensive player for Beitar.
Maccabi Petah Tikva, a recently promoted team, had chances to respond, but Miguel Silva, Beitar’s goalkeeper, made several crucial saves to maintain the lead. Despite a goal from the visitors, Beitar managed to double their output compared to previous matches and controlled the game for much of the contest.
While the victory was essential for Beitar, it also highlighted the gap in quality between the two sides, as Maccabi Petah Tikva is not considered a contender for the championship playoffs. Nonetheless, the result reflects progress for Cohen, who registered only the second win of his coaching tenure.
Looking ahead, Beitar faces two winnable fixtures before returning to their home ground, Teddy Stadium, next month. They will host Hapoel Haifa at their temporary venue, Bloomfield Stadium, on Saturday night, followed by an away match against Hapoel Ramat Gan at Renovot Stadium. Success in these matches could propel Beitar closer to the league leaders, Maccabi Tel Aviv, who remain unbeaten with a 4-0 record.
The key to Beitar’s recent improvement has been their pressing game, which demands high levels of effort and tactical discipline. Cohen’s players demonstrated both commitment and intensity throughout the match against Petah Tikva, with Weissman and Yosefi playing pivotal roles both offensively and defensively.
Weissman acknowledged the pressure that comes with his role as a striker but expressed confidence in the team’s direction. “As a striker, at the end of the day you have to score goals and be judged on numbers and goals,” he said. “More importantly, of course, we won and that’s what makes it so exciting and enjoyable. Now we move forward.”
With momentum building, Beitar aims to capitalize on upcoming fixtures and reestablish themselves as a competitive force in the league. The return to Teddy Stadium is highly anticipated by players and fans alike, promising an electrifying atmosphere as the team seeks to climb the standings.