Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv defeated Hapoel Haifa 1–0 tonight at Bloomfield Stadium in Matchday 5 of the Israeli Premier League, thanks to a stunning winning goal by Roy Korin.

A scorching red night at Bloomfield: 18,000 fans pushed Hapoel forward in an important clash against Hapoel Haifa, with the team arriving in strong form after three wins and a draw since the start of the season.

The Reds opened aggressively, controlling the tempo and dictating the pace of events on the pitch.
Several dangerous chances were created in the opening minutes but couldn’t be converted. The dominance continued throughout most of the first half, which ended goalless.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Hapoel continuing to press and create opportunities — but the ball refused to go in.
In the 66th minute, Loizos Loizou made his debut for the club.


In the 77th minute, against the run of play, Hapoel Haifa were awarded a penalty — but Asaf Tzur stood tall and saved brilliantly. Still 0–0.

Hapoel kept attacking — 11 corners, 28 attempts — and then came the 84th minute.
Adrian Krajv delivered a perfect 30-meter through ball to Roy Korin, who had come on just four minutes earlier for his first league appearance of the season. Korin controlled, lifted his head, and unleashed a rocket from 16 meters straight into the top corner. Bloomfield erupted — 1–0 in red.

Hapoel held onto the lead until the final whistle and secured a precious home victory over their rivals from Haifa — exactly 11 years after their last league win over them at Bloomfield (that one finished 3–0).
The Reds close the matchday with 13 points out of 15 available, a goal difference of 14:7, and sit at the top of the table.

Next Match

Hapoel’s next fixture will take place next Saturday (4/10), as they travel to Be’er Sheva to face the local Hapoel in Matchday 6 of the Premier League. Kickoff is at 20:00.

Hapoel Lineup

Asaf Tzur, Shahar Piven (Amit Lemkin – 66’), Fernand Mayembo {Captain}, Chico Alves, Doron Leidner, Lucas Faćao, Adrian Krajv, Roi Alkokin (Loizos Loizou – 66’), Shanda Silva (Mor Bouskila – 57’), Stav Toriel (Roy Korin – 79’), Dappa (Omri Altman – 79’)

Referee: Vitali Bondarov
Attendance: 18,000 at Bloomfield Stadium

Match Timeline

The youth team defeated Maccabi 2–1 in the derby, with a brace from Olitzki.

Our youth team came out on top with a 2–1 victory over Maccabi in the city clash, played as part of Matchday 5 of the Youth Premier League at Ness Ziona Stadium (away).

The young Reds started off poorly, conceding a goal in the first minute. In the 20th minute, Ravid Olitzki equalized from the penalty spot, and just six minutes later doubled the score with his second of the match—his sixth league goal this season. Hapoel held on to the lead until the final whistle and claimed three prestigious points.

After five rounds of the league, Hapoel sits in fourth place on the table with nine points out of a possible 15 (three wins and two losses). Next Tuesday (30.9, 15:50), the team will host Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Matchday 6.

Head coach Shahar Weisinger summed up the match:
“I’m very happy with the derby win—it’s always important for the club. Despite the early setback, we kept playing our football and turned the result around. I’m proud of the players; in the second half we knew how to protect the lead and show maturity.”

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv will host Hapoel Haifa this evening at Bloomfield Stadium as part of Matchday 5 in the Israeli Premier League. Ahead of the clash, we’ve gathered all the stats, history, and key details you need to know before kickoff.

Hapoel continues its league campaign with a home fixture at Bloomfield, backed by the mighty Red Army, aiming to maintain the positive momentum from the season’s opening.

The Reds have started the league impressively, recording three wins and one draw in the first four rounds. In each of those matches, Hapoel fell behind but showed remarkable character—coming from behind to win three times and securing a dramatic 90th-minute equalizer in the fourth. Thanks to that, the team sits in third place with 10 points and a strong goal difference of 13:7.

On the other side, Hapoel Haifa enters the match in sixth place with 7 points and a goal ratio of 5:3, looking to extend its positive run.

Match Information

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 – 19:45
Competition: Israeli Premier League, First Round, Matchday 5
Venue: Bloomfield Stadium
Referee: Vitaly Bondarov
Assistant Referees: Dor Medina, Ze’ev Frankel
VAR Officials: Gal Leibovich, Eliyahu Kaspo
Fourth Official: Dekel Tsino
Broadcast: Sport 2 HD

Historical Context

Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Haifa are set for another historic chapter in Israeli football. After 149 encounters, tonight will mark the 150th league meeting between the sides—placing this rivalry fourth all-time among Hapoel’s most frequent league matchups.

Overall Record:

At Bloomfield (Home Record):

This nearly century-long rivalry has produced unforgettable moments—big wins, tough losses, and iconic matches.

The first league encounter took place on October 4, 1930, ending in a goalless draw in Haifa. Just under seven years later, on November 6, 1937, Hapoel earned its biggest-ever league win over the Carmel Reds—a resounding 6–0 at Tamarim Ground in Tel Aviv, with Avraham “Butchka” Feldman scoring a hat-trick.

Over the years, Hapoel has often put five past Haifa. On December 24, 1955, they won 5–1 at Basa Stadium, with goals from Israel Weiss, Asher Blot, Rahavia Rosenbaum (brace), and Pinhas Yehudiov.

More recently, on January 1, 2011, Hapoel celebrated a 5–0 victory at Bloomfield, thanks to Ben Sahar (brace), Salim Toama, Eran Zahavi, and Itay Shechter.

In recent years, however, the balance has shifted. In the last 10 league encounters, Hapoel Tel Aviv has just one win (January 8, 2017), two draws, and seven defeats. In the last five meetings, they have four losses and one draw.

Hapoel’s last home victory over Hapoel Haifa at Bloomfield came exactly 11 years ago, on September 27, 2014, with a 3–0 win courtesy of Gili Vermouth, Shoval Gozlan, and Lucas Sasha.

The Red Legend surprised the players of the coolest team around: “I haven’t enjoyed myself this much since retiring, I’m considering joining every training session.”

As every Friday, the players of Hapoel Shavim Tel Aviv gathered at the HodoroV complex for their weekly training session. But this time, before it began, the players were told that the session wouldn’t be led by the team’s two regular coaches – but rather by a “surprise coach.”

As the training started, the Red Legend himself walked in – the one and only Salim Tuama – moving all the players deeply. Tuama led the session and later joined in a football match alongside the rest of the team, which is made up of fans with and without disabilities.

At the end of the training, Tuama said:
“I must admit, since my retirement I haven’t enjoyed football like this. There are some quality players here with great values, good people, and a wonderful team. I really enjoyed it, and I’m seriously considering coming every Friday to train with them – whenever I can. I just hope I wake up tomorrow without pain...”

We love you!

Hosting the Tournament in Collaboration with the “My Home Field” Association in Memory of Omer Hermesh and Staff Sergeant Yaron “Noni” Shay – with the Participation of the Club’s Departments

Last Friday, we hosted for the second time at the Hodorov complex a tournament of the “My Home Field” Association, an organization that helps homeless individuals and people living on the streets reintegrate into society and rehabilitate through group and personal support.

The tournament was dedicated to the memory of the team’s fans, the late Omer Hermesh and the late Staff Sergeant Yaron “Noni” Shay.

Representing us in the tournament were the Hapoel Equals team, the Youth Academy coaches’ team, and players from the women’s team, who served as referees.

At the end of the tournament, the senior team players joined together with team manager Salim Toama to launch the final match between the coaches’ team and Noni’s friends’ team.

A big thank you to all the participants – see you next year!

Photography: SNAP – The Social Center for Photography

Head coach Eliniv Barda and defender Doron Leidner spoke ahead of the match against Hapoel Haifa (Saturday, Sept. 27, 19:45).

Barda opened: "We need to keep working hard, in exactly the same way, and remain humble. We’ve achieved good results since the start of the season thanks to the players’ discipline – and that’s what we need to keep building on."

On the season’s record so far: "10 points out of 12? I look at it as two points we dropped. With a bit more attention to some small details, we could have had the maximum. The goal is always to get the most we can."

On future goals: "We’ve just finished the fourth round and the fifth is ahead of us – so talking long-term is a bit premature. This is a fairly new team, but we made sure to keep the core and strengthen it with more competition. For us, this is just the beginning."

On the opponent, Hapoel Haifa, the coach said: "Hapoel Haifa also kept their core and reinforced it. We’ve seen their strong results since the start of the season – and even in the derby, they could have taken more than just one point. We’ve studied them and we’ll come prepared."

On new signing Loizos Loizou: "I’m happy Loizou is here and that we managed to bring in a player of his caliber. From now on, it’s up to him to prove himself. Physically, he’s in good shape – he just played with his national team, so he’s ready in that sense."

Regarding the transfer window that closed this week, he added: "The window is over and I’m very pleased with the squad we have. In a short time, we built a team with competition of 2–3 players for every position. Of course, for a coach it’s a headache to choose even the 20 players for the squad, knowing that 3–4 key players will sit out each game. It’s not easy at all, because everyone is training hard – but ultimately, that’s exactly the kind of depth we wanted."

Defender Doron Leidner said: "I feel very connected to the fans and the club. I waited all summer for the season to start – and I’m happy to be here."

"I feel like we’re looking good, but I won’t look too far ahead. The team is united and playing well, but we must keep it that way," he continued. "The fans? I don’t need to explain their power to my teammates – the moment you step on the pitch and experience it, you understand. Even I didn’t remember just how massive and powerful it is, and of course their support gives us incredible energy."

Cypriot talent signed from Omonia Nicosia: “From the very first moment I felt this was the right place for me”

Loizos Loizou, 22, has signed a three-year contract with the club after being acquired from Omonia Nicosia. The Cypriot winger landed in Israel yesterday (Saturday), completed his medical tests, and officially signed his deal. Loizou will wear the number 75 shirt.

He made his senior debut at just 15 years old for Omonia Nicosia, where he went on to record 199 official appearances across all competitions, scoring 31 goals and providing 23 assists – in the Cypriot League, Cypriot Cup, Europa League, and Conference League. With Omonia, he won one league title (2020/21), two cups (2021/22, 2022/23), and the Super Cup (2021/22).

Loizou has also earned 42 caps with the Cyprus national team – his most recent appearances coming two weeks ago against Austria and Romania in World Cup qualifiers.

Upon signing, Loizou said: “When I first heard about Hapoel Tel Aviv, from the very first moment I felt this was the right place for me. I was impressed by the staff who really wanted me here, and by the amazing fans who kept showing me love. I’m very happy to be here and can’t wait to start playing for them. Yalla Hapoel!”

Good luck, Loizos!

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv crushed M.S. Ashdod 6–2 tonight at the Yud-Alef Stadium in Ashdod, as part of Matchday 4 of the Israeli Premier League. Elkokin scored a brace and added an assist.

Hapoel arrived at the Yud-Alef Stadium riding high after the dramatic victory over Beitar Jerusalem at Bloomfield.

Backed by the impressive Red Army in the stands and for the first time this season with Shanda Silva in the starting lineup – the Reds put on one of the greatest football displays we’ve seen in recent years.

The match began surprisingly, with Ashdod taking the lead on their very first attack. But just like in the previous three league games, Hapoel again showed resilience – and in a big way. Within just six minutes, Stavi Toriel found Daniel DAPPA, who equalized.

The Reds kept the blitz going: in the 13th minute Toriel again with a brilliant pass, this time to Roee Elkokin who scored from close range to complete the turnaround. In the 29th minute, a Toriel corner struck a home player and went into the net – 3–1 Hapoel. The party continued as Elkokin completed his personal brace in the 36th minute, and in the 42nd minute turned provider for Toriel, who made it five. At halftime – a stunning 5–1 lead for the Reds.

In the second half, Ashdod managed to pull one back, but Hapoel did not stop. In the 77th minute, a corner from Mor Buskila found Chico’s head, and he nodded in his first goal of the season to seal an emphatic 6–2 final score.

Hapoel registers its third win in the first four rounds, with 10 points and a goal difference of 13:7 (+6).

Beyond the points and performance, it was a historic evening: this is the 20th time since 1929 that Hapoel has scored six goals in a league match. The last time was on March 3, 2019, in a 6–0 demolition of Maccabi Petah Tikva at the Moshava. The last six-goal haul away from home was more than two decades ago – on May 31, 2003, when Hapoel beat Hapoel Kfar Saba 6–1.

It was only the second time in history that Hapoel led 5–1 at halftime. The first was on 31/5/1997 against Hapoel Petah Tikva at Bloomfield, with a four-goal performance by Nisso Avitan.

Hapoel’s next match will take place next Saturday (27/9), hosting Hapoel Haifa at Bloomfield in Matchday 5 of the Premier League. Kickoff at 19:45.

Hapoel lineup:
Assaf Tzur, Shahar Piven, Fernand Mayembo (captain), Chico, Doron Leidner, Lucas Falcao, Andrian Kraiev (El Yam Kanzpolski – 71’), Roee Elkokin (Amit Lemkin – 71’), Stavi Toriel (Mor Buskila – 60’), Shanda Silva (Ran Benjamin – 78’), Daniel DAPPA (Omri Altman – 71’).

Referee: Shnir Levi at the Yud-Alef Stadium in Ashdod.

Match Timeline

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv will be hosted this evening at the Yud-Alef Stadium in Ashdod, where they will face Maccabi Sport Ashdod as part of Matchday 4 of the Israeli Premier League. Ahead of the clash, we’ve gathered all the key statistics, the history between the two teams, and the most interesting facts you need to know before kickoff.

After their big win over Beitar Jerusalem in the previous round, Hapoel will look to continue their strong start to the season when they travel tonight for an away match against Ashdod in Round 4 of the Premier League.

The Reds arrive in positive momentum, having collected 7 out of a possible 9 points in their first three matches. In addition, Hapoel has scored 7 goals and conceded 5.

On the other side, Ashdod has had a less stable start to the campaign, recording only one win while losing their last two games (goal difference: 8–4).

Match Information

The History

The two teams have met no fewer than 62 times in the top division, producing plenty of dramatic encounters, goals, and unforgettable moments over the years.

Overall record:

Away record for Hapoel in Ashdod:

The very first league meeting between the two took place on October 30, 1999 (Matchday 9). Hapoel traveled to Ashdod and won 2–1 thanks to a goal from Pini Balili and a home own goal.

One of the most memorable encounters came on March 8, 2014 – a wild and dramatic clash that saw no fewer than nine goals. Hapoel came out on top 5–4 away from home, with goals from Israel Zaguri (35’), Gili Vermouth (53’), Omer Damari (66’, 90’), and Salim Toama (69’).

In their last five league games played in Ashdod, Hapoel has managed just one victory, losing the other four. That sole win came on December 21, 2021, in Kobi Refua’s return to the coaching role. Hapoel came from behind after conceding early and went on to claim a dominant 4–1 win.

The club marked the start of the new year with a festive gathering. Edmond Safra sent his greetings: “I wish for us all to continue the work that brings pride to our fans”

On Wednesday evening, a holiday toast was held at Bloomfield Stadium with the participation of players from both the men’s and women’s teams, the coaching staff, club management, and business partners.

Club owner Edmond Safra greeted those present in a video call: “I want to wish everyone – the players, coaches, medical staff, employees, management, business partners, and of course our dear fans – a Happy New Year. I hope we continue the important work that brings pride and joy to our supporters. My family and I are proud to be part of the red family. We long for quieter days and, of course, the return of all the hostages”.

Club CEO Guy Primor added: “There’s something special about Rosh Hashanah that makes us reflect on the past year while looking ahead to the next one. Many good things have happened here, and it’s important we keep building on them. For us, today’s Hapoel Tel Aviv strives to be competitive, community-driven, and innovative. That responsibility is with us every step we take. We work hard to be the best in what we do while remembering we’re part of a large community that looks to us every day. It’s a big responsibility, but we’re here for it, and we won’t stop. I want to thank everyone here for all you do for the club. Wishing for the safe return of the hostages and the wellbeing of the IDF soldiers – Shana Tova”.

Head coach Elyaniv Barda said: “As we begin the new year, I wish for us to break records and achieve things that will make our fans proud. Thank you all for your contributions to the club, each in your own way. Let’s pray for the hostages’ return and the success of our soldiers. Wishing us all a successful year”.

Team captain Fernand Mayembo: “This is my first year at the club, but I already feel its power and the strength of the community around it. We’ll do everything to keep bringing joy to everyone, just like we did in the last match. Shana Tova – I wish only the best for everyone, and may all the hostages return home soon. Amen!”.

Women’s team Player Ana Cheminova: “All of us in the women’s division are excited to take part in this evening and, overall, to be part of the club. We’ll give our best this season to return to where Hapoel Tel Aviv’s women’s team belongs – the Premier League. We’re confident the club will continue to support us and women’s football as it does today. Shana Tova – may we be the head and not the tail”.

Noam Idan Ben Ezra, sister of late fan Tzachi Idan z”l – murdered in Hamas captivity and recently brought to burial in Israel – presented CEO Guy Primor with the red “Bring Them Home” emblem. She told those present: “My heart, and my family’s heart, is broken – and every day it breaks a little more. But what happened here on Monday gave me joy, and that is not easy these days. For that, I say thank you. This club has become even dearer to me since October 7. Despair is not an option – we’re on a long journey to bring the hostages home. There are still 47 hostages in Gaza who must be returned – without them, our hearts cannot move on. Shana Tova, thank you all very much”.

We thank our partners, Biscotti and Kansai, for the refreshments, and the staff of Bloomfield Stadium for their warm hospitality, as always.

Shana Tova Hapoel!