|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Hapoel Beersheba launched their 2024/25 season in style with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv at Bloomfield Stadium on Sunday night to lift the Israeli Super Cup.
A late goal from substitute Eylon Almog—ironically against his former club—proved decisive in a match that saw the Southern Reds play over 74 minutes with ten men.
Coming off a goalless draw against Levski Sofia in their UEFA Europa League qualifying opener, Beersheba appeared sharper than their Tel Aviv counterparts, who are set to begin their Champions League campaign against Cypriot side Pafos FC in just under two weeks.
Still reeling from the offseason departure of iconic striker Eran Zahavi, Maccabi entered the match as reigning Israeli Premier League champions, while Beersheba held the Israel State Cup title.
Beersheba manager Ron Kozuk made no secret of his team’s desire to kick off the new campaign with a message, especially after narrowly losing out to Maccabi in the league last season.
His players responded with tenacity and flair, opening the scoring early through Eliel Peretz. The midfielder’s speculative shot in the 11th minute took a wicked deflection off Maccabi defender Raz Shlomo, wrong-footing goalkeeper Yoav Gerafi to make it 1-0.
But the momentum quickly shifted. Just five minutes later, Roie Levy, making his debut for Beersheba, was sent off after a reckless challenge on Roy Revivo earned him a second yellow card. Down to 10 men and facing an aggressive Maccabi side, Beersheba braced for an onslaught.
Maccabi Tel Aviv responded with waves of attacks. The yellow-and-blue thought they had equalized before halftime when Osher Davida’s effort deflected off Matan Baltaxa into the net, but the goal was ruled out due to a handball by Nemanja Stojic in the build-up. Beersheba held on to a 1-0 lead at the break.
In the second half, Zarko Lazetic’s squad intensified their pressure. A beautiful through ball from Ido Shachar set up Dor Peretz, but the midfielder’s shot flew just wide.
The equalizer eventually came in the 62nd minute through Wesley Patati, who pounced on a perfect pass from Davida to bring the match level.
With both teams making a slew of substitutions to gain a late edge, it was Beersheba who found the spark. Zahi Ahmad, fresh off the bench, broke down the flank and slid the ball to Almog, who calmly slotted home the winner in the 76th minute—his first goal since returning from a long-term injury.
Maccabi pushed forward desperately in search of an equalizer, but Beersheba’s defense, led by the composed performance of central defender Miguel Vítor, held firm. A late chance for Sagiv Yehezkel sailed wide, sealing the fate of Lazetic’s side and sparking celebrations among the traveling Beersheba fans.
After the match, Beersheba head coach Ron Kozuk praised his players’ character and resilience. “I thought I wouldn’t talk about it this season, but this hostage pin is still here,” Kozuk began, referencing the ongoing crisis in Israel.
“First of all, it’s urgent to bring them home. Regarding the game… our goal is to bring home titles, and the players did just that as they deserve all the credit for the win. We didn’t defeat Maccabi Tel Aviv last season, so it was important for us to begin this season with a win.”
On the other side, Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Zarko Lazetic offered a more reflective tone. “We didn’t score and conceded two goals – congratulations to Beersheba for winning the title,” he said.
“They came into the box twice and scored twice, one time via a deflection. We have time to pay more attention, and we’re just at the beginning of the season – it’s not easy. As for Pafos, we will need to analyze this game and improve our play both offensively and defensively.”
Game MVP Eylon Almog, whose long-term future at Beersheba remains uncertain amid transfer speculation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute.
“I am always determined, and we are athletes and professionals, and we are paid to perform,” Almog said.
“I appreciated every moment on the field – I appreciated it before the injury and I appreciate it even more after. I have enjoyed every day since the beginning of this season, and I am working hard. The road has just begun – we are happy today, but tomorrow is already a new day and a very important task awaits us on Thursday.”
Maccabi midfielder Dor Peretz also addressed the match and the impact of Eran Zahavi’s absence. “All credit to Hapoel Beersheba for defeating us at Bloomfield Stadium with 10 men from such an early minute of the game – all the credit to them. As for Zahavi, I really miss him, but we also have a very strong locker room, and as some players may have departed, others have to step up in order for us to have a good season.”
Beersheba will now turn their focus to European ambitions, hosting Levski Sofia in the return leg of the Europa League qualifiers, a match that will take place in Hungary due to UEFA restrictions.
As the domestic season begins, Beersheba’s victory not only gives them silverware but also a psychological edge over their closest rivals. For Maccabi, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to regroup ahead of their European journey.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members