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Hapoel Beersheba secured a 2-0 victory over Ashdod SC this week, strengthening their grip on first place in the Israeli Premier League.
The Southern Reds bounced back from recent setbacks with a decisive performance, capitalizing on early and late goals to claim all three points.
The match at Yud-Alef Stadium saw Alon Turgeman open the scoring just five minutes in, heading in a precise cross from Amir Ganach. Despite dominating possession, Beersheba struggled to extend their lead until deep into stoppage time.
Ashdod’s chances of a comeback dwindled as they were reduced to nine men, with Shalev Harush and Shahar Rosen receiving red cards in the 88th and 90th minutes, respectively.
The visitors sealed their win in the 98th minute when winter signing Iuri Medeiros struck a powerful left-footed shot past the Ashdod goalkeeper, confirming Beersheba’s triumph.
“We were very soft, especially in midfield, and that gave them chances,” Beersheba coach Ron Kozuk reflected after the game.
“That forced me to change our system from a 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2. Teams are preparing better for us as the playoffs approach, and we need to elevate our performance.”
Ashdod’s head coach Klemi Saban acknowledged his team’s shortcomings but remained optimistic. “We created enough chances, especially in the second half, but we couldn’t capitalize. I trust my players, and I believe we will improve.”
Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv Secure Victories
Elsewhere, Maccabi Haifa earned a commanding 4-1 derby victory over Hapoel Haifa. Meanwhile, Maccabi Tel Aviv edged Ironi Kiryat Shmona 2-1, thanks to a second-half brace from Nemanja Stojic.
After a goalless first half, Stojic broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, heading in a Gaby Kanichowsky corner. Although Alfredo Stephens equalized for Kiryat Shmona following a goalkeeping error, Stojic struck again in the 74th minute to secure the win.
“In the first half, we lacked passion,” Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Zarko Lazetic admitted. “But we dominated the second half, and our defense was excellent.”
Haifa Derby Ends in Stalemate
A dramatic 1-1 draw unfolded in the highly anticipated Haifa derby between Maccabi and Hapoel. A Sean Goldberg own-goal gave Hapoel a second-half lead, but Maccabi’s persistence paid off when Lior Refaelov struck in the 98th minute to salvage a point.
Maccabi Haifa coach Barak Bachar lamented missed chances. “We should have taken the lead early. We deserved the win, so this result is disappointing.”
Hapoel coach Roni Levy praised his players’ efforts. “It’s a cruel way to concede, but I’m proud of my team for handling the pressure.”
Other Results Across the League
Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Hadera played to a goalless draw, with both coaches expressing frustration over missed opportunities.
Meanwhile, Maccabi Netanya staged a comeback to defeat Hapoel Jerusalem 2-1, with second-half goals from Oz Bilu and Itay Ben Shabbat securing the win.
Bnei Sakhnin overcame Maccabi Bnei Reineh 2-0, benefiting from an early own-goal and a penalty conversion by Alexandre Ramalingom.
Maccabi Petah Tikva defeated Ironi Tiberias 2-1, with goals from Wilson Harris and Amir Altoury sealing the victory despite a late push from Tiberias.
As the league heats up, the battle for playoff spots intensifies, with top teams looking to solidify their positions in the coming weeks.