Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv defeated Maccabi Haifa 2-1 tonight at Bloomfield Stadium in Matchday 9 of the Winner League.
Hapoel continued its strong start to the season tonight (Monday) and recorded a fifth consecutive league victory, overcoming Maccabi Haifa 2-1 at Bloomfield Stadium in Matchday 9 of the Winner League.
Just days after lifting the Toto Cup in the Tel Aviv Derby, Elyaniv Barda's side took the pitch before stands packed with Red supporters, maintained a perfect home league record, and continued to solidify their position at the top of the table.
The Reds opened the encounter with high, intense pressure and were rewarded as early as the ninth minute: Roei Alkukin delivered an accurate cross into the box, Fernand Mayembo rose high to head toward goal, and the ball deflected off opposing defender Tsunami into the net to make it 1-0 and send Bloomfield into raptures.
The Toto Cup holders continued to dictate the tempo unchallenged, circulated the ball patiently, and on the stroke of halftime (45') were rewarded for the second time: Alkukin unleashed a powerful strike from some 20 meters, which deflected off Daniel Dappa, wrong-footed Omri Glazer, and found the net—2-0 and a third consecutive match with a goal for Dappa.
In the second half, the visitors looked to get back into the match, and in the 58th minute Eli Dasa found Bruninho inside the penalty area, who pulled one back to make it 2-1—the first home goal Hapoel has conceded in the league this season. Both sides created further opportunities before the final whistle, but the Reds displayed iron resolve, determination, and immense sacrifice across every area of the pitch, preserving the precious advantage to seal a 2-1 victory.
Following the victory, Hapoel cements its spot in second place in the Winner League table with 22 points out of a possible 27 after nine matchdays, and an impressive goal difference of 20-6 (+14).
Hapoel Lineup: Assaf Tzur, Marcus Coco, Fernand Mayembo, Chico, Yannick Leliendal, Lucas Falcao, Andrian Kraev (El Yam Kancepolsky – 61'), Roei Alkukin, Omri Altman (Roy Korine – 74'), Douglas Owusu (Amit Lemkin – 61'), Daniel Dappa (Doron Leidner – 87').
Referee: Gal Leibovich in front of 25,700 spectators at Bloomfield Stadium.
Hapoel's next match will take place next Sunday (November 8), traveling to Be'er Sheva to face Hapoel Be'er Sheva in Matchday 10 of the Winner League. The match will kick off at 20:30.
Match Log
9': Goal for Hapoel! Roei Alkukin crosses from the left flank and Fernand Mayembo heads toward goal; the ball deflects off an opposing defender and enters the net. 1-0 to Hapoel.
45': Goal for Hapoel! Roei Alkukin strikes from outside the box; the ball hits Daniel Dappa, changes direction, and trickles inside. 2-0 to Hapoel.
54': Dappa charges toward goal and strikes twice, but the ball is cleared off the goal line.
58': Hapoel concedes. 2-1.
67': A right-footed strike by Roei Alkukin from the center of the box sails wide.
82': Roy Korine shoots with his left foot from outside the penalty area, narrowly missing the target.