Israeli Premier League fans enjoyed a weekend full of drama on September 21, 2025, with Maccabi Tel Aviv grabbing a last-minute 2-1 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem at Bloomfield Stadium. Beitar Jerusalem also claimed a tight 2-1 win against Ironi Kiryat Shmona at Teddy Stadium, while other matches delivered high scores and surprises across the league.
Key Matches and Dramatic Finishes
The action kicked off with intense battles that kept supporters on the edge of their seats. Maccabi Tel Aviv faced Hapoel Jerusalem in a game that turned chaotic after a red card shifted momentum. Beitar Jerusalem dug deep to overcome Ironi Kiryat Shmona, showing resilience in front of their home crowd.
Goals flowed freely in several fixtures, with a total of 28 scored across five matches by the end of matchday four. This high-scoring trend highlights the league’s competitive nature this season, where teams like Maccabi Tel Aviv continue to dominate early on.
Other notable results included Hapoel Tel Aviv’s impressive 6-2 rout of SC Ashdod and Maccabi Netanya’s 5-2 victory over Ironi Tiberias. These outcomes reflect the unpredictable excitement that has defined the 2025 season so far.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Comeback Story
Down to ten men after Roy Revivo received a second yellow card in the 67th minute, Maccabi Tel Aviv looked set for defeat when Guy Badash scored from the penalty spot to give Hapoel Jerusalem a 1-0 lead. But the yellow-and-blue fought back fiercely.
Ido Shahar equalized soon after, setting the stage for a tense finish. In the dying moments, Ali Camara headed in the winner from an Itamar Noy cross, sparking wild celebrations at Bloomfield Stadium.
This victory keeps Maccabi Tel Aviv at the top of the table with a perfect record after four games. Their ability to snatch points late has become a hallmark of coach Zarko Lazetic’s strategy.
Fans praised the team’s spirit on social media, noting how such wins build momentum for upcoming European fixtures.
Beitar Jerusalem’s Hard-Fought Triumph
At Teddy Stadium, Beitar Jerusalem edged out Ironi Kiryat Shmona in another 2-1 thriller. The hosts had to work hard against a determined opponent, with key plays deciding the match in the final stages.
This result boosts Beitar’s position in the standings, as they aim to challenge the top teams this season. Their defensive solidity and quick counters proved vital in securing the three points.
Supporters highlighted the importance of home advantage, especially after recent league upsets.
Coach Reactions and Player Insights
Zarko Lazetic of Maccabi Tel Aviv spoke about the emotional rollercoaster post-match. He noted that the red card forced his team to adapt quickly, and while they created many chances, the late goal showed their determination.
Hapoel Jerusalem’s Ziv Arie expressed frustration over defensive lapses in the closing minutes, mentioning similar issues from last season. He remains optimistic despite injuries affecting his squad.
Players like Ali Camara emerged as heroes, with his header drawing comparisons to past league legends.
Current League Standings and Stats
Maccabi Tel Aviv leads the pack, but the race remains tight with several teams showing strong form.
Here’s a quick look at the top of the table after matchday four:
| Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maccabi Tel Aviv | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 12 |
| Beitar Jerusalem | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 9 |
| Hapoel Tel Aviv | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Maccabi Netanya | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 6 | 7 |
These standings underscore Maccabi Tel Aviv’s dominance, with their goal difference giving them an edge.
Impact on the Season Ahead
This weekend’s results could shape the rest of the 2025 campaign. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s unbeaten streak positions them as favorites for the title, much like their strong start last year.
Beitar Jerusalem’s win adds pressure on rivals, while high-scoring games suggest more entertainment to come. Analysts point to improved attacking play across the league, influenced by recent international transfers.
Teams now prepare for midweek cup action, which might test squad depth amid a busy schedule.
Looking Forward to More Action
The Israeli Premier League continues to deliver thrills, blending skill with unexpected twists. Fans can expect more close contests as the season progresses.
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