Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv was defeated 1-0 tonight at Bloomfield Stadium by Beitar Jerusalem in the 31st round of the Winner League.
Hapoel arrived at the heated encounter at Bloomfield against their arch-rivals with only six rounds remaining until the end of the season.
The match opened an intense series of four home games in nine days, and the goal was clear: to recover from the recent loss in Beer Sheva and return to winning ways in front of the home crowd.
Hapoel's squad was missing Lucas Falcao and the suspended Doron Leidner. Amit Lemkin took the left-back position, and El Yam Kancepolsky started in the midfield. The opening was balanced on both sides, but a turning point occurred in the 30th minute. The video assistant referees called Aviv Klein to review an incident in the center of the pitch, and after watching the monitor, he showed a direct red card to El Yam Kancepolsky, leaving Hapoel at an early numerical disadvantage.
The opponent exploited the numerical advantage just before the break. In the 45th minute, in one of their few attacks in the game, they managed to find the net.
Hapoel entered the second half dominating the field without question, dictating the pace, and reaching several certain scoring opportunities. However, a lack of concentration and bad luck prevented the ball from going in time after time. The final whistle marked a second consecutive loss for the Red Devils.
At the end of the 31st round, Hapoel is in fourth place in the table with 55 points (excluding 2 points deducted by the court) and a goal difference of 51:30 (+21).
Hapoel Lineup: Assaf Tzur, Marcus Coco, Fernand Mayembo (Captain), Chico, Amit Lemkin (Yazan Nassar – 70), El Yam Kancepolsky (Sent off – 30), Andrian Kraev (Mor Buskila – 86), Stav Toriel (Roy Korine – 86), Loizos Loizou, Xande Silva (Roei Alkukin – 46), Emmanuel Boateng (Omri Altman – 60).
Referee: Aviv Klein. Attendance: 22,900 spectators at Bloomfield Stadium.
Hapoel's next game will take place on Saturday (9/5), hosting Maccabi Tel Aviv at Bloomfield Stadium for the 32nd round of the Winner League. The match will kick off at 20:30.
Events
16th minute: Stav Toriel crossed an incredible free kick that bypassed everyone; Chico missed with his leg, and the ball went wide of Silva's post.
27th minute: A long ball reached Stav Toriel, who entered the box, bypassed Yarden Cohen, and fired a strong low shot with his right foot but missed the frame.
30th minute, Hapoel Tel Aviv down to 10 men: El Yam Kancepolsky committed a foul on Inno and received a yellow card, but the VAR called the referee, and after review, the midfielder was shown a direct red card.
45th minute: The opponent scores, Hapoel trails 1-0.
64th minute: Loizos Loizou fell while delivering a cross and found Boateng in a perfect position, but the striker's shot was saved by Silva; the rebound hit Boateng again and went out.
66th minute: Stav Toriel received the ball on the right wing, bypassed Yarden Cohen, and struck excellently with his left foot, beating Silva, but Gadrani arrived at the last moment and cleared it off the goal line.
69th minute: Stav Toriel again received the ball on the right wing and provided another moment of magic, crossing to Loizos Loizou, who was left free from 5 meters out, but his shot went over the bar.