Maccabi Tel Aviv Dominates Derby, Emerges as Clear Title Favorite

Maccabi Tel Aviv decisively defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv 4-1 in a derby match, solidifying their position as the top contender for the league championship. Following this victory, Maccabi Tel Aviv stands alone as the league's most powerful team, having secured 12 points from their first four games with an impressive 16 goals scored. The team has achieved dominant wins against strong opponents like Maccabi Haifa, Hapoel Be'er Sheva, and now Hapoel Tel Aviv.

A pivotal moment in the derby was the second yellow card and subsequent red card issued to Hapoel Tel Aviv's Stav Touriyal. This dismissal, resulting from a foul on Maccabi's Helio Varela, significantly hampered Hapoel's chances, especially after they had managed to equalize briefly in the first half. Despite playing with ten men, Hapoel attempted comebacks with offensive substitutions, but Maccabi's substitutes, Hisyam Layous and Elad Madmon, sealed the victory late in the game.

While acknowledging Maccabi's strong performance, the article highlights Varela's exceptional play, calling him the best player on the field. It also notes a potentially problematic celebration by Maccabi's Osher Davida towards the opposing fans. The piece praises Maccabi's Israeli players, particularly midfielder Gabi Kanyukovsky, who is described as the league's best offseason acquisition, and Dor Peretz, emphasizing the team's strong Israeli core.

Maccabi's coach, Keni Miller, is contrasted with Hapoel's coach, Eliniv Brada. Miller's team played a more open and enjoyable style, while Brada focused on strong defense, which was broken for the first time this season. Brada's aggressive substitution strategy to equalize, despite being a man down, is noted, though it ultimately did not succeed.

With no European competitions to distract them, Maccabi Tel Aviv's schedule is lighter, and their combination of top Israeli talent and strong foreign players makes them the clear favorite to win the championship. The article contrasts the current team's strength with past struggles, suggesting their early exit from Europe has increased their league title prospects.