Maccabi Tel Aviv Captain Dor Peretz Eyes Eran Zahavi's Derby Goal Record

Maccabi Tel Aviv captain Dor Peretz is on track to potentially break the all-time Tel Aviv derby goalscoring record held by Eran Zahavi. Peretz has scored seven goals in derby matches thus far, exactly half of Zahavi's record of 14. With Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv now expected to play at least four times per season due to league format changes and the recent acquisition of Hapoel by the Safra family, Peretz, 31, has an extended opportunity to surpass Zahavi's tally.

Peretz, who has a contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv through 2028-29, has been in exceptional form, scoring ten goals in ten games this season and was the league's top scorer last season with 19. He has also become Maccabi's regular penalty taker. His ability to move into scoring positions, supported by teammates like Jaba Kankava and James Tavernier, makes him a significant threat.

While Peretz has a high success rate in derbies, winning 12 of his 21 appearances, Zahavi's record was set across a different era. Zahavi played in 26 derbies (excluding Toto Cup matches) and scored 12 for Maccabi and two for Hapoel. The new league structure, which previously did not feature four league meetings between the two clubs in a single season, provides Peretz with more chances. However, Hapoel Tel Aviv's strong defensive record this season, having not conceded yet in the league, presents a challenge for Peretz, especially in the upcoming derby.

The article highlights the growing rivalry between the two Tel Aviv clubs, considered the strongest in the league this season, making the potential record-breaking chase a key storyline to follow.