Hapoel Tel Aviv Coach Substitutes Doron Leidner Early Without Injury Against Beitar Jerusalem

In a Toto Cup match on July 18, 2026, between Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv, coach Eliniv Bereda made an early substitution that surprised many. At the 27th minute, with the score tied 1-1, Bereda replaced defender Doron Leidner with young player Ofer Galbard. The change was not due to injury, as Leidner left the field unassisted and appeared surprised and disappointed. Although Leidner had received an early yellow card, Bereda's decision seemed based on dissatisfaction with his performance rather than the caution. A key moment leading to the substitution occurred just before Beitar's equalizing goal, when Leidner lost possession to Omer Atzili and then cleared the ball out of bounds unnecessarily, which contributed to the goal. This match marked the first game of the 2026/27 season for both teams, who are competing for a spot in the Toto Cup semifinals.