Maccabi Tel Aviv Secures Fifth Straight Win, Edging Maccabi Netanya 2-1

Maccabi Tel Aviv continued their perfect start to the season, securing their fifth consecutive victory by defeating Maccabi Netanya 2-1 on Saturday. Despite a less dominant performance than in previous matches, the league leaders managed to secure three crucial points, heading into the international break with a flawless record.

The win was largely built on two penalty kicks. Dor Peretz opened the scoring for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 45th minute from the penalty spot after a handball in the box. This goal marked Peretz's eighth of the season and extended his league scoring streak to 11 consecutive games, equaling a league record held by Eran Zahavi and Dan Biton.

Maccabi Netanya managed to equalize in the 48th minute through Oz Bilo, who scored after a quick counter-attack. However, Maccabi Tel Aviv regained the lead in the 74th minute when James Tavernier, after initially missing a penalty, scored from the rebound. Maccabi Netanya, despite a strong second-half performance where they created numerous chances, leaves the break with only five points from five games.

Maccabi Tel Aviv's victory marks the first time since the 1993/94 season that they have started the league with five wins. The match saw Maccabi Tel Aviv dominate possession for large parts, though they struggled at times, while Maccabi Netanya showed flashes of offensive potential, particularly in the second half.