Maccabi Netanya Stuns Maccabi Haifa 4-0 With Dominant Second Half

Maccabi Netanya achieved a stunning 4-0 victory over Maccabi Haifa on Saturday, with all four goals scored in the second half before 27,000 spectators at Sammy Ofer Stadium. Coach Roni Levy attributed the win to his team finally converting their chances after a season of strong performances that often lacked decisive finishing.

Levy explained that while the team has been playing at a high level, they struggled with confidence and converting opportunities into wins, particularly in the first half of matches. He noted that the team's defensive struggles, having conceded many goals, led to the acquisition of goalkeeper Samo Silva, whom Levy praised as a "great leader" and "great goalkeeper."

"We always create situations, but now it's entering," Levy stated, referencing the team's improved ability to capitalize on chances, which he observed weekly in training. He highlighted the team's expected goals (xG) of 3.5 to 4 in the match, indicating they consistently created scoring opportunities, sometimes thwarted by opposing goalkeepers having their best games.

Looking ahead, Levy, a native of Netanya, expressed his ambition for the team to reach the top six in the league, a step up from last year's relegation playoff appearance, and then continue to progress. Player Oz Bilu dedicated his goal to his wife following the birth of their first child and acknowledged the team's slow start in the first half, promising to improve their final pass during the break.

Levy concluded by emphasizing that while he dreams big, progress is gradual, and the immediate goal is to secure a spot in the top six before aiming higher.