Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv claimed a dramatic victory in the Tel Aviv derby this evening, defeating Maccabi Tel Aviv 2:1 at Bloomfield Stadium in Matchday 20 of the Winner League. The Reds completed a stunning comeback deep into stoppage time, with an equalizer from Omri Altman in the 91st minute and a winning goal by Chico in the 94th minute, painting the city of Tel Aviv red
Hapoel arrived at the derby in positive momentum, unbeaten in three league matches with two wins, aiming to extend the run in an away fixture at Bloomfield against their city rivals.
The first half was played at a high tempo and was evenly balanced for long spells. Both sides battled for control in midfield, and in the 33rd minute Hapoel fell behind despite several good passages of play.
At the start of the second half, Hapoel raised the intensity and increased the pressure on the opposition goal in search of an equalizer. Elyaniv Barda made attacking substitutions, and the Reds gradually took control of proceedings as they pushed for a way back into the match.
The major drama arrived in stoppage time. In the 91st minute, Xande Silva, returning after a long injury layoff, delivered a precise cross from the right flank. Omri Altman rose powerfully and headed into the net to make it 1:1.
Three minutes later came the complete turnaround. A set piece delivered by Leinder reached the right side, Andrian Kraev struck the ball across the box, and Chico was there to tap in with a composed finish, sealing a dramatic 1:2 victory for the Reds.
Following the derby win, Hapoel moves up to fourth place in the Winner League table with 35 points and a goal difference of 25:37 (+12).
Hapoel lineup:
Assaf Tzur, Marcus Coco, Tal Archel, Chico Alves, Ziv Morgan (captain) (Doron Leinder 64), Lucas Falcao (Omri Altman 85), Andrian Kraev, Roy Korine (Roei Alkukin 76), Amit Lemkin (Xande Silva 64), Luizos Luzio, Anas Mahamid (Daniel Dappa 46).
Referee: David Fuchsman at Bloomfield Stadium.
Hapoel’s next match will take place this coming Saturday, January 31, when the team hosts Maccabi Netanya at Bloomfield Stadium in Matchday 21. Kickoff is scheduled for 15:00.
Match Events
10th minute: A good opportunity for Hapoel, as a well played ball by Luizos Luzio failed to find a finishing touch.
33rd minute: Hapoel concede. 1:0.
45+8: Anas Mahamid found space on the edge of the box but sent a weak effort wide.
63rd minute: Luzio slipped a fine pass to Roy Korine, whose shot from inside the area went straight into Malika’s hands.
84th minute: Daniel Dappa rose well to meet a ball into the box but headed wide.
90+1: Goal. Hapoel Tel Aviv equalize to 1:1. Xande Silva delivered a superb cross into the box, and Omri Altman rose brilliantly to power a header into the top corner.
90+4: Goal. Hapoel Tel Aviv complete the comeback to make it 1:2. Chico was in the right place inside the box to calmly tap in the long awaited winner. Tel Aviv is red.
