Hapoel Haifa Proud of 'Top Team Elements' After Season Opener Draw

Hapoel Haifa kicked off their 2026/27 Israeli Premier League season with a 0-0 draw against Hapoel Tel Aviv at Sammy Ofer Stadium on Sunday. The club expressed satisfaction with the fair result and the team's strong first-half performance, which they described as showing "elements of a top team." However, they noted a decline in play during the second half, acknowledging that the team is still in a process of cohesion.

Owner Yoav Katz commented that playing two halves like the first would lead to high rankings, praising the team's excellent players, squad, and staff. He expressed hope for sustained performance beyond a single half. "When we manage to do that, very good things can happen," he stated.

Goalkeeper Yoav Jerafi received significant praise for saving a penalty and keeping a clean sheet. "It's not for nothing that we made a great effort to keep him in the summer," a club source said. "When he's between the posts, we can be much braver because we know there's a goalkeeper who can back us up." New foreign signings Ariel Mendy and Chic Keita also received plaudits for their high-level play.

Jerafi spoke at a press conference about the team's aspirations for the top playoff bracket, acknowledging the tough competition. "It's a marathon and it's far away," he said, looking ahead to their next match against Hapoel Be'er Sheva. "We want to win there; it will be a no less difficult battle against a tough and intense team."

Hapoel Haifa will face Hapoel Be'er Sheva away on Wednesday, with Ivan Kritzak suspended and George Diba expected to replace him in the starting lineup. The club is looking forward with confidence, stating their intention to compete strongly against the league's top contenders.