Pregame
Maccabi’s coach Patrick van Leeuwen who took charge of the team in December last year following a 0-0 draw against Beitar Jerusalem at Teddy stadium – is aiming to build on the impressive league run that has taken his side within touching distance of first place. For the visit of Beitar to Bloomfield stadium, Van Leeuwen, made several changes from the side that beat Hapoel Haifa on Thursday.
Luis Hernandez returned to partner Eytan Tibi as the two central defenders with Andre Gerlades and Enric Saborit both returning to the side completing the back-four on the right and left respectively. In the absence of the injured Dan Glazer and Eden Kartzev, and with Shahar Piven serving a one match touchline ban following his dismissal against Hapoel Haifa, Sheran Yeini slotted into the midfield anchor-man role.
Edurado Gurrero and Matan Hozez were named by van Leeuwen as the two wingers while Etey Shechter led the attack as the veteran striker led the line against his former club.
Prior to kick-off Dor Peretz received the League’s February Player of the Month award.
First Half
Beitar began the match on the front foot as Daniel Tenebaum was the first goalkeeper to make a save following an Idan Vered weak shot from the edge of the area in the opening minute. Two minutes later Sheran Yeini tried a long range effort that rocketed high over the bar. In the 12th minute, Tenenbaum received treatment following a rough tackle by Vered who was consequently booked.
In the 25th minute Matan Hozez cut inside from the right and unleashed a left foot drive that was blocked by a Beitar defender. Three minutes later, Maccabi were rewarded for their efforts as Etey Shechter headed in the opener past Itamar Nitzan following a pinpoint Yeini cross. But while the veteran striker opted not to celebrate against his former club, Eytan Tibi received plenty of plaudits as the central defender was the one who began the move in style.
Tibi continued pushing forward from his position at the back as his attempt of a shot on 35 was blocked by Tal Ben Haim before Or Zahavi cleared for a corner.
While Beitar’s defense struggled to deal with a series of Luis Hernandez throw-ins in the 39th minute, the ball fell to Yeini who chested it down on the edge of the area before forcing Nitzan to another save. On the stroke of halftime Nitzan came to Beitar’s rescue once again, this time to deny a powerful Eduardo Guerrero drive after he was put through by Golasa.
Second Half
With no changes at halftime, Maccabi began the match where they left off and doubled their lead two minutes after the restart. Or Zahavi somehow avoided a second booking for a foul near the byline. Hozez stepped-up to cross the free kick which deflected off the head of Shuah to beat Nitzan and make it 2-0.
Maccabi were awarded a penalty in the 50th minute after Tal Ben Haim pounced on a Hozez cut-back but was let down by his touch before launching a last gasp late tackle to bring Peretz down inside the area. Referee Gal Leibovic pointed at the spot and Saborit, who began the move by sending Hozez clear through, kept his calm, sent Nitzan the wrong way and score Maccabi’s third goal.
Van Leeuwen made a double change on 56 as Eylon Almog and Maor Kandil replaced both Hozez and Andre Geraldes.
Maccabi toyed with Beitar and moved the ball around with ease as Golasa broke forwars on 64 only to send his shot high. Three minutes later, Shechter teed-up Golasa who flashed a shot to the wrong side of the post. This was Shechter’s final contribution on the night as he was replaced a minute later by Dan Biton while Avi Rikan came in for Peretz who worked tirelessly throughout the match.
Beitar cut the deficit in the 70th minute through Michael Ohana whose shot went in off the crossbar to beat Tenebaum from close range and make it 3-1. While Beitar tried desperately to claw their way back into the game, Maccabi took the game beyond the visitor’s reach on 76. Yeini, on a Man-of-the-Match performance, fed Rikan who tried threading the ball into the path of Guerrero. Ben Haim’s attempt of a block rebounded back to Rikan who unleashed a right foot shot that gave Nitzan no chance to seal the score at 4-1.
Van Leeuwen made his fifth and final change on 82 as Nick Blackman came in for the final 8 minutes allowing Guerrero to walk off to a standing ovation.
Leibovic’s final whistle confirmed Maccabi’s 16th victory of the season which increased the point tally to 54 – leapfrogging Maccabi Haifa into top spot.
