Beitar defeats Maccabi Tel Aviv in the capital

Maccabi coach Ronny Deila lamented the loss.

“A lot of things weren’t good enough, lack of intensity and pressure, we were too late on defense, and we had too many touches on offense. After a good start, we should have used the momentum to be braver and not cowardly. This was under our standards and it was and it was a disappointing night. We need to be stronger, and while I believe that we are still in the race, we are disappointed as it’s nine points off the top of the table and a lot of things have to go our way.”

Beitar captain: We are 'together as one'

Jerusalem's captain, Shua, also spoke about the victory.

“We are happy, the guys are all together as one. We showed character, and we didn’t fall apart, and we stayed together after the early goal. Playing at home is a big thing, and the fans really help us a lot. There is a lot of pressure and some great games coming up, and while Maccabi may be nine points behind us, I can’t eulogize them; I’m just concerned about Beitar Jerusalem.”

Hapoel Beersheba blanked Hapoel Tel Aviv 2-0 as Eliel Peretz scored early in the first half, while Igor Zlatanovic did the same in the second half to take the win and keep pace with table leader Beitar Jerusalem.

Beersheba coach Ron Kozuk looked back at the win.

“I told the players after the match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, in which we lost, that I don’t know how to solve this or what to tell them that wouldn’t sound vague or cliché. I spoke about two things we need to take with us: belief and togetherness. It’s okay to criticize, it’s okay to comment, but it’s always meant to make my teammate better. We are a good football team, and with that, we will need to continue going forward.”

Hapoel Tel Aviv bench boss Elyaniv Barda said, “Not a good game from us. Hapoel Beersheba deservedly won; they scored on their first shot on target, which helped them. Many times, we couldn’t control the tempo of the game, and that allowed Beersheba to take over.”

Maccabi Haifa slipped by Hapoel Petah Tikva 2-1 to take the win and the points at the Moshava Stadium.

Roee David opened the scoring in the first half to give the hosts a 1-0 lead, but Kenny Saief headed home the equalizer in the second half to draw the Greens even. Petah Tikva’s Noam Cohen was sent off in the 80th minute for a reckless foul on Cedric Don, while a handball in the box gave Dolev Haziza a late penalty, which was missed, but he put home the rebound to hand Haifa the points.

Haifa coach Barak Bachar spoke about his team’s victory.

“This season we’ve had many games where we played well, and then the match turned on us, and we needed to make up excuses as to why. Today, we don’t need excuses. The players are in a very difficult situation, and in the second half, we came out flying, and everyone gave more than 200 percent. Finally, I felt a team fighting for its life, and that needs to happen more.”

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