Hapoel Be'er Sheva Opens 2026/27 Israeli Premier League Season with Scoreless Draw at Hapoel Ramat Gan

On Saturday evening, Hapoel Be'er Sheva returned to Israeli Premier League action for the 2026/27 season with an away match against Hapoel Ramat Gan in Rehovot. The reigning champions aimed to secure their first away league win against Ramat Gan since May 2001 and to start the season with a victory, as they had done in the previous six seasons. However, coach Ran Kozuch faced a depleted squad missing key forwards Igor Zlatanovic (injured), Jebon East, and Zahi Ahmed (both suspended following the State Cup final), as well as Miguel Vitor, who suffered a head injury in Azerbaijan. Consequently, the attacking trio consisted of Hamudi Kana'an, Amir Ganah, and young Amit Ohana. Despite suspensions, Jibril Diop started in central defense.

Hapoel Ramat Gan, newly promoted and playing their first top-flight home game in 13 years, fielded a full squad including Jota, returning from suspension, alongside Pard Ibrahim in central defense. Moshe Semel started, while Matan Hozaz was on the bench awaiting his debut minutes. The match began after a brief delay caused by balloons on the pitch. Early chances included a long-range shot by Ramat Gan's Asanka and a near goal by Be'er Sheva's Kana'an, whose effort was disallowed for offside after a VAR review. Ramat Gan came close to scoring when Semel's volley hit the crossbar, and goalkeeper Mariano made a crucial save from a close-range shot by Campus.

Despite several attempts by both sides, including another off-target shot by Asanka, the game ended in a 0-0 draw. This result leaves both teams without points after one round, with Be'er Sheva yet to break their winless away streak against Ramat Gan. The league table shows Maccabi Tel Aviv, Maccabi Petah Tikva, and Maccabi Haifa leading with wins in their opening matches. Upcoming fixtures include Hapoel Haifa versus Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv facing Maccabi Haifa in the second round.