Maccabi Tel Aviv Stays Perfect With Hard-Fought Win Over Netanya

Maccabi Tel Aviv secured their fifth consecutive league victory, maintaining a perfect start to the season with a narrow 2-1 win against Maccabi Netanya before the international break. The win keeps them atop the league standings.

Dor Peretz opened the scoring for Maccabi Tel Aviv from the penalty spot in the first half after a handball in the box. However, Maccabi Netanya equalized early in the second half through Oz Bilo, who converted a pass from Bassam Zaarura following a strong play by newcomer Isaac.

With fifteen minutes remaining, James Tavernier missed a penalty for Maccabi Tel Aviv but managed to score the rebound, securing the crucial win. The match featured two distinct halves, with Maccabi Tel Aviv dominating possession and creating chances in the first, while Netanya struggled to get shots on goal.

Netanya's performance was boosted by the debut of new signing Isaac, who immediately impacted the team's attack and was instrumental in the equalizer. Despite Isaac's efforts and missed opportunities by teammate Matheus Dabo, including a late chance that could have salvaged a point, Netanya couldn't find a second equalizer.

Maccabi Tel Aviv has now scored 18 goals in five games this season, though this was the first match where they scored fewer than three. Maccabi Netanya, meanwhile, is on a three-game winless streak but shows promise with their new signing. Maccabi Tel Aviv will resume league play at home against Bnei Sakhnin, while Maccabi Netanya will travel to face Hapoel Petah Tikva.