Maccabi Tel Aviv secured a 3-1 victory over Maccabi Haifa in Sunday’s Israeli Classico at Bloomfield Stadium, marking a strong showing in the second week of the Israeli Premier League. Dor Peretz was the standout performer for Maccabi Tel Aviv, scoring twice in the first half. He opened the scoring by converting a penalty awarded after Helio Varela was fouled in the box, then doubled the lead with a well-taken finish following a pass from Ali Camara. Osher Davida added a third for the hosts before Halfi Eitan Azulay converted a late, inconsequential penalty for Haifa.
Coach Kenny Miller praised Peretz’s early-season form and work ethic, highlighting his effective positioning and finishing. Miller acknowledged that while his team controlled the first half, Maccabi Haifa increased their pressure after the break. Barak Bachar, Maccabi Haifa’s coach, acknowledged his side’s shortcomings, citing a soft defensive approach and missed opportunities to press more aggressively. He noted that conceding an early penalty set the tone for the match in favor of Maccabi Tel Aviv.
In another match, Maccabi Netanya achieved a commanding 4-1 victory over Beitar Jerusalem at their home ground. After a goalless first half, substitute Daniel Worgo put Netanya ahead early in the second half. However, Matheus Davo stole the spotlight with a second-half hat trick, supported by Maor Levi’s additional goal. Oz Bilu played a key role, assisting three of the goals. Coach Roni Levy described the performance as one of their best since his appointment, emphasizing the team’s resilience and effective conversion of chances.
Hapoel Beersheba edged Hapoel Ramat Gan 2-1 in Rehovot, courtesy of a stoppage-time free-kick by Ethel Peretz. The defending champions initially took the lead through Amit Ohana’s individual effort, but Matan Hozez equalized for Ramat Gan soon after. Coach Ron Kozuk expressed satisfaction with the victory given the quality of the opposition and praised his players for their attacking efforts.
At Sammy Ofer Stadium, Hapoel Haifa and Hapoel Tel Aviv played to a goalless draw in a match characterized by two red cards and notable goalkeeping performances, including a penalty save from Hapoel Haifa’s Yoav Gerafi. Hapoel Tel Aviv manager Elyaniv Barda criticized his team’s first-half concentration and mental readiness, noting that their improved second-half performance came too late to secure a win. Hapoel Haifa’s Haim Silvas emphasized his team’s control in the first half but lamented their failure to capitalize on scoring chances and the challenges posed by a red card and penalty against them in the second half.
Hapoel Petah Tikva claimed a narrow 1-0 victory against Hapoel Jerusalem, with Karim Kimvudil scoring early in the 14th minute. Coach Omer Peretz called the win vital for rebuilding confidence after a difficult start to the season.
In other matches, Ironi Kiryat Shmona shut out Ironi Tiberias 2-0, with goals from Amadou Sanga and Rufat Abdulazade securing the win. Meanwhile, Maccabi Petah Tikva overcame Bnei Sakhnin 2-1, with Samuel Owusu and Liran Hazan overturning an early goal by Ilay Hajaj to deliver the victory for Ziv Arie’s side.