Maccabi Haifa Clinches Vital 1-0 Victory in Israeli Premier League Showdown
Maccabi Haifa claims a pivotal 1-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv, narrowing the gap in the Israeli Premier League. Lior Refaelov’s 12th-minute strike proves decisive in a thrilling showdown.
In a highly anticipated clash between the top two clubs in the Israeli Premier League, Maccabi Haifa emerged victorious with a crucial 1-0 away win over Maccabi Tel Aviv. The win propelled second-placed Haifa to 33 points from 15 matches, narrowing the gap with league leader Tel Aviv to just five points.
Maccabi Haifa dominated from the start, securing an early lead in the 12th minute through a goal by 37-year-old midfielder Lior Refaelov, marking his return to the team after 12 years in the Belgian league.
Tel Aviv’s striker Eran Zahavi, a two-time top scorer of the Chinese Super League (CSL), came close to equalizing with a bicycle kick just a minute later, but an impressive save by goalkeeper Sharif Kaiuf denied the attempt.
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Haifa’s striker Dean David had an opportunity to double the lead in the 55th minute, but Panamanian goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera made a crucial save from close range. Tel Aviv’s luck was tested as a shot by their Spanish defender Enric Saborit struck the post in the 66th minute.
Despite Haifa’s substitute midfielder Goni Naor netting a second goal in the 87th minute, VAR intervened and overturned the decision due to a handball by the player.
Looking ahead, Maccabi Haifa faces the UEFA Conference League’s knockout round play-offs against Belgian side Gent next month, adding to their challenges in the Israeli league. Meanwhile, under the guidance of Irish legend Robbie Keane, Maccabi Tel Aviv has secured a direct advance to the Round of 16 in the UEFA Conference League.
–IANS