Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv travels to Sammy Ofer Stadium tonight to face Hapoel Haifa for Matchday 18 of the Premier League. Ahead of the clash, we’ve compiled all the key statistics, the history between the clubs, and the essential details you need to know before kickoff.
The crucial victory in the last round against M.S. Ashdod kept the team firmly in the race for the top spots. Tonight, Hapoel will aim to complete a season double over the rival from the Carmel, just before the highly anticipated Derby this coming Wednesday in the State Cup Round of 16.
Squad Status
Hapoel enters tonight’s encounter with a depleted squad. Omri Altman, Chico Alves, and Andrian Kraev will miss the match due to suspensions and yellow card accumulation. On a positive note, Anas Mahamid returns to the squad after serving his suspension.
Memories from the First Round
In the previous meeting between the two sides at Bloomfield Stadium, Hapoel emerged victorious. After a hard-fought battle, it was Roy Korine who scored a magnificent goal in the 84th minute, securing a 1-0 win for the Reds.
By The Numbers
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Hapoel Tel Aviv: Ranked 5th with 28 points. Goal Difference: 30:20 (+10).
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Hapoel Haifa: The hosts are ranked 10th with 18 points. Goal Difference: 22:28.
Match Information
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Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
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Kickoff: 17:30
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Competition: Premier League, Second Round, Matchday 18
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Venue: Sammy Ofer Stadium, Haifa
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Main Referee: Snir Levy
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Assistant Referees: Liav Adi, Aviran Yehezkel
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VAR Officials: Eli Hachmon, Eliyahu Caspu
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Fourth Official: David Fuxman
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Broadcast: Sport 4 HD
History Tells the Story
Following 150 league meetings, tonight marks the 151st league encounter between the two clubs. For Hapoel, Hapoel Haifa represents the opponent ranked 4th all-time in terms of total league meetings.
Full Head-to-Head Record (150 Games):
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55 Wins for Hapoel Tel Aviv
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48 Draws
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47 Wins for Hapoel Haifa
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Goal Difference: 192:163 in favor of Hapoel Tel Aviv
Away Record (Hapoel Tel Aviv as Visitors - 76 Games):
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23 Wins for Hapoel Tel Aviv
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28 Draws
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25 Wins for Hapoel Haifa
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Goal Difference: 89:88 in favor of Hapoel Haifa
The long-standing rivalry between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Haifa spans nearly a century, featuring unforgettable moments and impressive victories alongside painful disappointments.
The First Meeting: The first-ever league match between the teams took place on October 4, 1930, in the opening round of the Eretz Israel League. Hapoel Tel Aviv traveled to Haifa and the match ended in a deadlock, 0-0.
The Biggest Win: Almost seven years later, on November 6, 1937, Hapoel recorded its largest league victory over the Reds from the Carmel—a crushing 6-0 win at the "Tmarim" (Palm Trees) ground in Tel Aviv. Avraham "Butchka" Fellman starred with a hat-trick (16', 25', 59'), with Yohanan Sukenik (35') and Shuka Breshedsky (36') adding goals, before Mordechai Meir (80') sealed the scoreline.
High Scoring Affairs: Throughout history, Hapoel has scored five goals against Hapoel Haifa on several occasions. On December 24, 1955 (Matchday 4), Hapoel defeated Haifa 5-1 at the "Basa" Stadium. The scorers were Israel Weiss (10'), Asher Balut (39'), Rehavia Rosenbaum (49', 90'), and Pinchas Yehudioff (76').
The Last "Manita": The last time Hapoel put five past their Haifa rivals was on January 1, 2011, celebrating a 5-0 victory at Bloomfield. Ben Sahar led with a brace (14', 74'), Salim Tuama scored (45'), Eran Zahavi added one (61'), and Itay Shechter converted from the penalty spot (84').
The Last Visit: Hapoel's last league visit to face Hapoel Haifa was on January 31, 2024 (Matchday 19). Hapoel found themselves trailing 4-0 at halftime. Despite scoring three goals in the second half, the comeback fell short. Hapoel's scorers were Alen Ožbolt (51'), an own goal (57'), and Bryan Passi (90+5'). Stav Lemkin provided two assists in that match.
The Last Away Win: The last time Hapoel defeated Hapoel Haifa away in the league was on January 8, 2022. Hapoel arrived at Sammy Ofer and secured a 2-0 victory in Matchday 17, with goals from Ofek Bitton (34') and Shay Elias (86').