Maccabi Tel Aviv Secures Hard-Fought Win, Remains Perfect in League

Maccabi Tel Aviv secured a difficult 2-1 victory over Maccabi Petah Tikva on Saturday, maintaining their perfect record in the Israeli Premier League as the competition pauses for an international break. The club acknowledged that the match was not particularly attractive but emphasized the team's character in securing the win.

"Even if the game against Petah Tikva was less attractive, there will be games like that. The smart thing was to show character and win them, and that's what we did," a club spokesperson stated.

The team will be assessing the fitness of defenders Jaba Kankava and Loïc Landre. Kankava felt discomfort in his groin during the match and will undergo further examination, while the club hopes Landre's issue is merely fatigue or a minor hamstring strain.

Midfielders Eyal Golasa and Parfait Guiagon received significant praise. Golasa was described as a crucial returnee, with his contribution to Maccabi being "crazy." The club also recognized that not competing in European tournaments this season provides a competitive advantage in the domestic league, stating, "Not that we didn't want Europe, but it definitely helps us in the league."