Maccabi Haifa Shows Promise Despite Defensive Struggles in Toto Cup Win Over Tiberias

Maccabi Haifa secured a victory against Tiberias in the Toto Cup on August 4, 2026, but the match exposed significant defensive weaknesses and raised concerns about the team's overall stability. Attendance was notably low, with around 6,500 spectators at Sammy Ofer Stadium, many attending for free after the club's management distributed complimentary tickets following disappointing performances in previous games.

The team's defense was described as chaotic, with poor coordination and individual errors. Center-backs Steipman and Lonwijk struggled with positioning and pace, while the defensive midfield, anchored by Yarin Levi, showed lapses in coverage and determination. Levi himself, though skilled with the ball, appeared distracted and affected by negative fan reactions. The article emphasized the need for Levi to improve his defensive engagement.

Offensively, Bronninio stood out as a promising player, demonstrating good ball control and scoring a goal, albeit aided by a poor save from Tiberias goalkeeper Gad Amos. Ethan Azulai was highlighted as the best player on the field, contributing decisively with a goal and an assist, though his inconsistency and occasional risky plays were noted. The team’s pressing was ineffective, with few players showing defensive discipline in attack.

The introduction of Pedro late in the game brought more defensive stability, but reliance on the injury-prone player is seen as risky. The shift to a traditional 4-3-3 formation improved the team's confidence and attacking frequency, but the squad still lacks a key forward and a defensive reinforcement to address ongoing vulnerabilities.

Overall, the article expresses skepticism about Maccabi Haifa's ability to challenge for the championship this season without significant improvements, especially in defense. The upcoming league start is seen as a critical test for coach Barak Bachar to find a formula that brings the much-needed stability to the team.