In the that sealed the first round at the upper playoffs, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Petah Tikva splited the points as a 1:1 tie was the final score.
The two teams played a tough first half at the “Moshava” stadium, with many harsh tackles being committed by on both sides. At the 36th minute defender Omri Ben Harush conceded a second yellow card and received his marching orders after fouling Dor Alou inside the penalty box. Maccabi Petah Tikva’s Roie Dayan then converted the penalty to give the home team the lead. It did not take more than three minutes for Maccabi to get on equal ground. Tal Ben Haim was fouled inside the box and the referee lent a penalty kick for Maccabi. Eran Zehavi stepped up to the plate and sent the ball to the left corner to make the score 1-1, which remained until halftime.
Coach Pako started the second half by replacing midfielder Dan Einbinder with forward Rade Prica. Both teams continued the strong play from the first half into the second. At the 75th minute keeper Juan Pablo stretched to save a close range header from Ivan Hertzeg. Maccabi’s keeper came out on top again at the 88th minute with another great save – Goldenberg’s attempt was stopped by Juan Pablo’s feet. Maccabi’s last chance came at the 90th minute when Peretz found Zehavi with a great lobbed ball. Zehavi’s one time volley was stopped by Petah Tikva’s keeper Nitzan.
