Hapoel Jerusalem's Varasana Scores Hat Trick in 4-2 Victory Over Maccabi Petah Tikva

Hapoel Jerusalem secured a significant 4-2 win against Maccabi Petah Tikva on Saturday, largely thanks to a standout performance by midfielder Nadim Varasana, who scored a hat trick. Varasana opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a powerful volley and added his second goal in the 34th minute after a mistake by Maccabi Petah Tikva goalkeeper Maor Erlich. Andrew Idokou had doubled Jerusalem's lead in the 16th minute, making it 3-0 before halftime.

Maccabi Petah Tikva managed to pull a goal back just before the break through Jose Cortes, assisted by Liran Hazan. Hazan then scored the equalizer himself in the 54th minute, bringing his team back into the game and seemingly setting up a comeback against his former coach, Ziv Arie.

However, Varasana completed his hat trick in the 63rd minute, capitalizing on another error by Erlich, to restore Jerusalem's two-goal advantage. The fourth goal for Jerusalem effectively sealed the victory, allowing them to manage the remaining time and secure the win. This result comes after a disappointing loss in the previous round and sends Hapoel Jerusalem into the international break on a high note.

Following the break, Hapoel Jerusalem will host Maccabi Haifa, while Maccabi Petah Tikva will face Hapoel Haifa.