Maccabi Haifa Edges Past Maccabi Petah Tikva to Top League Table

Maccabi Haifa secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Maccabi Petah Tikva on Saturday, temporarily ascending to first place in the Israeli Premier League standings. Coach Barak Bakhar praised his team's character and resilience, noting their ability to come back from behind in three consecutive matches. Despite not playing a stellar game, Bakhar highlighted the importance of set pieces, which contributed to both of Haifa's goals, and the team's improved physical presence and aerial quality compared to the previous season.

Bakhar also commented on the recent signing of Eli Dasa, the captain of the Israeli national team, stating that the club didn't hesitate to acquire him due to his professionalism and versatility. He acknowledged past criticism but emphasized that the team needed time to gel, expressing optimism that there is still significant room for improvement.

The coach lauded the home crowd's impact, describing the stadium's roar after the equalizer as a confidence booster. He also briefly mentioned a minor neck injury sustained during celebrations, assuring it was treatable. Goal scorer Noam Steifman described his winning goal as a childhood dream come true, attributing it to dedicated practice on set pieces and crediting the fans as an "extra player."

Maccabi Petah Tikva coach Ziv Ariel lamented the loss, attributing it solely to two set-piece goals conceded. He defended his team's tactical approach, acknowledging the difficulty of playing against Maccabi Haifa and the need to address defensive weaknesses. Player Lior Kasa expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity to secure points, emphasizing the team's preparation and hard work despite the outcome.