This will be the 157th match between Maccabi and Maccabi Haifa, the Yellow & Blue’s most frequent opponent just ahead of Hapoel Tel Aviv (152) and Maccabi Netanya (136).

The record: 62 Maccabi wins, 46 draws, 48 Haifa victories. Goal differential: 222:196 in favor of Maccabi.

The last time Maccabi met Maccabi Haifa to open the second round of matches was in 2012/13 and ended in a 1:0 defeat at Kiryat Eliezer.

Since then Haifa has hosted ten matches in which Maccabi won 5 and drew 5.

In 2002/03 the two sides met on Matchday 14 in Haifa at Kiryat Eliezer and it ended with Maccabi taking home a big 3:2 win that changed the season’s momentum as the Yellow & Blue captured the league title in dramatic fashion.

Watch the highlights of the 3:2 win:

Avi Nimni has the most appearances by Maccabi against Maccabi Haifa with 33. Eli Driks has 31 and Sheran Yeini is in third with 30.

Maccabi has played 15 league matches to date at Sammy Ofer Stadium: 7 against Maccabi Haifa, 6 versus Hapoel Haifa and 2 radius matches against Beitar Jerusalem (1 home, 1 away).

In addition, Maccabi has played 7 other matches at Sammy Ofer: 3 Champions League Group Stage matches and 4 Cup contests throughout the years.

Maccabi’s record against Maccabi Haifa in 7 league matches at Sammy Ofer Stadium: 4 win and 3 draws. Goal Differential: 11:4 in favor of Maccabi.

Last season Vidar Kjartansson scored the fastest goal in Maccabi’s history – 13 seconds into the match in a 3:1 win over Haifa at Sammy Ofer Stadium.

Kjartansson also scored the latest goal against the Greens which occurred in 2016/17 to draw 2:2 in the 91’.