Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv kicked off the new season on the right foot with a 2–1 victory over Ironi Kiryat Shmona at Bloomfield Stadium, thanks to a dramatic winner from Turiel.
The Reds arrived at Bloomfield this evening (Saturday), backed by an impressive army of around 17,000 supporters, for the opening matchday of the 2025/26 Israeli Premier League.
Following last week’s impressive qualification to the Toto Cup Final, Hapoel were eager to start the league campaign strongly – and they delivered.
The first half was evenly balanced, with a slight advantage to the visitors from the north, but it ended goalless.
Just three minutes into the second half, Kiryat Shmona took the lead, leaving Hapoel chasing the game.
In the 58th minute came the first turning point: after a corner kick for Hapoel, Fernand Mayembo was pulled by his shirt inside the box. Referee David Fuxman consulted VAR and pointed to the spot.
Daniel Dappa stepped up and coolly converted the penalty – 1–1.
In the 73rd minute came the decisive moment: Roy Alkokin produced a brilliant individual effort, threading a masterful pass to Stav Turiel, who struck clinically with his right foot from inside the box to complete a dramatic turnaround – 2–1 Hapoel.
At the final whistle, Hapoel celebrated an important opening-day victory, collecting three valuable points and building positive momentum for the season ahead.
Hapoel’s next match will take place next Saturday, August 30, away at Green Stadium in Nof HaGalil, where they will face Maccabi Bnei Reineh on Matchday 2 of the Israeli Premier League. Kickoff is set for 20:30.
Hapoel lineup:
Asaf Tzur, Shahar Piven, Fernand Mayembo (c), Chico (Doron Leidner – 58’), Yazan Nassar, Lucas Falcao, Andrian Kraiev, Ran Benjamin (Ari Cohen – 80’), Amit Lemkin (Roy Alkokin – 73’), Liran Rotman (Stav Turiel – 58’), Daniel Dappa (Anas Mahamid – 80’)
Referee: David Fuxman
Attendance: 17,100 at Bloomfield Stadium
Match Timeline:
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19’ – Andrian Kraiev broke free and tried his luck from the edge of the box, but the shot went over.
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48’ – Kiryat Shmona take a 1–0 lead.
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58’ – Goal! Dappa converts from the penalty spot, 1–1.
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73’ – Goal! Hapoel Tel Aviv complete the comeback: electric scenes at Bloomfield as substitutes combine – Roy Alkokin with a perfect through ball to Stav Turiel, who slotted home to make it 2–1.
