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
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32’ – Shanda Silva pressed well and passed to Dappa , who turned and shot — Antman collected.
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40’ – Dappa laid it off for Krajv, who struck first time — narrowly wide.
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49’ – Doron Leidner sent a good low cross from the left, Dappa reached it but sent it wide.
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60’ – Toriel found Shahar Piven in the box, the defender shot over the bar.
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68’ – With his very first touch, Loizou created a great chance for Dappa with a low cross — the striker missed wide.
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77’ – What a save by Asaf Tzur! The visitors were awarded a penalty after Mayembo fouled Ofek Biton — Tamir Arbel stepped up but struck poorly, and Hapoel’s keeper saved brilliantly.
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82’ – Loizou with a fine solo move and left-footed strike — Antman parried.
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84’ – Goal! Hapoel Tel Aviv take a 1–0 lead: What a strike! Roy Korin received a phenomenal ball from Krajv, advanced to the edge of the box and fired left-footed into the top corner, leaving Niv Antman with no chance.