Maccabi Tel Aviv got off to a flying start in the TASE Premier League on Saturday with a comfortable 2-0 win over newcomers Ness Ziona.
Two first half goals, a powerful strike by Dor Micha in the 22nd minute and a penalty by Eliran Atar six minutes later sealed the points for the visitors.
The match opened at a fast pace with both sides showing excitement at the start of a new campaign but Ness Ziona, who were the underdogs, were immediately on the back foot as Maccabi dominated possession and laid siege to the home team’s goal.
Micha converted the dominance into an advantage with a thunderous right-foot volley from the edge of the area after latching on to a cross from the right by Dan Glazer which gave Ness Ziona goalkeeper Omri Glazer no chance.
Maccabi continued to pile on the pressure and were soon rewarded with a penalty that was only confirmed by referee Daniel Bar Natan after a VAR review. Eliran Atar buried the spot kick in the 28th minute with ‘keeper Glazer again stranded.
Additional attempts on goal were unsuccessful, including a powerful shot by Dor Peretz that was parried by the Ness Ziona ‘keeper.
The pace of the second half was far calmer despite further attempts by Maccabi to increase the score, including another powerful strike by Micha, which rebounded off the right post. Peretz also put the ball in the back of the net but it was from a clear offside position.
Ness Ziona’s first outing in the top flight after 51 years was an eye opener for them and they never got close to threatening the defending champions.
