Maccabi Haifa Starts 2026/27 Season Strong with 2-1 Win Over Hapoel Ramat Gan

Maccabi Haifa officially kicked off their 2026/27 Israeli Premier League season on Saturday with a 2-1 victory against Hapoel Ramat Gan. The win was highlighted by a brace from Bronninio, who impressed coach Barak Bachar with his quality and aggression on the field. Bachar noted that despite some defensive lapses, the team showed significant improvement both offensively and defensively compared to recent performances.

Bachar reflected on the pressure surrounding the team, describing the club as a "house of madness" where outcomes are often decided by Toto Cup results. He acknowledged the need for continued work and adaptation, especially following the injury to player Benson, which has prompted the club to reconsider their transfer plans. The coach emphasized focusing on the next match and building momentum.

Regarding their upcoming game against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Bachar praised the opponent as a strong and energetic team and stressed the importance of preparation. He also mentioned former Maccabi Haifa player Masai Dego, expressing respect and satisfaction with the team's performance against a tough opponent.

Defender Nigel Lundwijk, in his first interview in Israel, expressed his ambition to win and achieve great things this season. He spoke positively about his experience in Israel so far, highlighting the warm reception from fans and staff despite initial concerns discussed with his family before arriving.

Maccabi Haifa’s season opener sets a hopeful tone as they aim to build on this victory and address squad challenges moving forward.