Maccabi Tel Aviv's Perfect Run Ends as Israeli Premier League Resumes

The Israeli Premier League returned to action on Saturday after a three-week international break, with league leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv suffering their first loss of points this season in a goalless draw against Bnei Sakhnin. Despite dominating possession, Maccabi Tel Aviv failed to score, largely due to a strong performance by Sakhnin's goalkeeper Raul Brelau, who made five saves. The team's attacking struggles were evident as several late chances were missed.

In other matches, Hapoel Be'er Sheva secured a 2-0 away victory over Ironi Tiberias, with Joao Victor scoring his debut goal for the club in the 52nd minute. Amankwah Forson added a second goal in stoppage time after the Tiberias goalkeeper left his net. Hapoel Tel Aviv also had a successful outing, defeating Ironi Kiryat Shmona 3-1. Douglas Owusu opened the scoring early for Hapoel Tel Aviv, followed by goals from Al-Yam Kancpolsky and Emmanuel Boateng in the second half. Amadou Sagna scored a late penalty for Kiryat Shmona.

These results narrow the gap between Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Hapoel Tel Aviv to three points behind league leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv. Maccabi Haifa, if they win their upcoming match against Hapoel Jerusalem, could move into second place, just one point behind the leaders.

In other games, Hapoel Haifa snatched a 2-1 victory over Maccabi Petah Tikva with a last-minute goal from substitute Sali Fahima, after Guy Dezant had equalized for Petah Tikva. Meanwhile, another Petah Tikva team drew 1-1 with Netanya, conceding a penalty in stoppage time that Maor Levy converted to secure a point for Netanya and prevent their third consecutive loss.