Maccabi Haifa Faces Critical Season Opener Against Promoted Hapoel Ramat Gan

Maccabi Haifa is finalizing preparations for their 2026/27 Israeli Premier League season opener against Hapoel Ramat Gan on Saturday at Sammy Ofer Stadium. Despite it being the first round, Haifa insiders describe the match as a "cup final" due to the pressure following poor preseason performances. Coach Barak Bachar is debating his starting lineup, particularly whether to field a dense midfield trio and where to position key players like Bronninio, Ali Mohamed, and Navot Retner. Ali Mohamed’s fitness after injury will be assessed before kickoff, with Andrea Novakovic expected to be included in the squad for the first time. Defensively, Pedro and Nigel Lonwijk are likely starters, with a choice between Cedric Don and Iyad Khalaily.

Hapoel Ramat Gan, returning to the top flight after 13 years, completed their preparations under coach Massai Dago, who faces his former club. Ramat Gan will miss suspended defender Jota Gonsalves, replaced by new signing Marcio Silva alongside Omer Itzhaki. Yablo Getacho, on loan from Maccabi Haifa, will start at right back, with Fared Ibrahim on the left. Serbian midfielder Sergej Micic Mojilovic, impressive in Toto Cup play, will lead the midfield. The only selection dilemma is between new Cameroonian striker Marius Novisi and Idan Barness, with Novisi favored. Club sources emphasize the need for a near-perfect game to secure a positive result against Haifa’s home crowd of over 20,000.

Historical context highlights Maccabi Haifa’s dominance in league meetings, winning the last nine matches since a 1-1 draw in 1982. Hapoel Ramat Gan’s last league win over Haifa was nearly 49 years ago. Haifa last lost a league opener in 2018/19 and has not lost a home opener in 11 years. Ramat Gan has not won a top-flight opening match since 1989/90. The match will be officiated by Omer Biran.

The game is scheduled for Saturday at 20:30 on Sport 4, with other league openers also set for the weekend. Postponed matches include Hapoel Be’er Sheva vs. Hapoel Haifa and Hapoel Tel Aviv vs. Beitar Jerusalem in early September.