Full Breakdown
Maccabi Haifa’s Comeback Keeps Title Race Tight
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Maccabi Haifa’s Comeback Secures Crucial Win
Maccabi Haifa overturned a 1-0 deficit to defeat Hapoel Jerusalem 4-1 in the Israel Premier League. Andrew Idoko opened the scoring for Jerusalem midway through the first half. Maccabi responded with goals from Andrija Novakovich, Pedro Brazao, Kenji Gorre and Guy Melamed, the latter two coming after halftime to complete the comeback.
Impact on League Table
The victory leaves Maccabi Haifa just one point behind league leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv, who dropped their first points of the season in a goalless draw with Bnei Sakhnin. Defending champions Hapoel Beersheba and Hapoel Tel Aviv remain three points behind the leaders after 2-0 and 3-1 wins, respectively.
Coach and Player Reactions
Maccabi coach Kenny Miller expressed frustration at his squad’s inability to finish chances, insisting they had done enough to win. Jerusalem coach Lior Zada lamented defensive lapses that allowed the comeback. Beitar Jerusalem’s Almog Cohen highlighted his team’s pressing and commitment but warned that the upcoming clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv will pose a greater challenge.
Other Results Shaping the Title Race
Beitar Jerusalem routed Hapoel Ramat Gan 4-0, with Omer Atzily, Boris Enow and Eugene Ansah on the scoresheet. Hapoel Haifa secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Maccabi Petah Tikva thanks to Sal Pahima’s stoppage-time volley. A 1-1 draw between Hapoel Petah Tikva and Maccabi Netanya was marked by a late penalty controversy involving an irregular substitution sequence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m happy that we were able to come back from a one-goal deficit and pick up the victory,” — Barak Bachar — Barak Bachar, Maccabi Haifa coach.
