Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Concerned After Nightmare Season Opener Loss to Hapoel Jerusalem

Maccabi Tel Aviv began their 2026/27 Israeli Premier League season with a disappointing defeat against Hapoel Jerusalem. Just 37 seconds into the match, Vitali Demskan scored for Jerusalem, immediately putting Maccabi on the back foot and shocking their fans. The early goal set the tone for a difficult game for the yellow team, who struggled to recover throughout the match held in Rehovot.

The poor start sparked widespread criticism on social media, with fans expressing frustration over defensive errors and tactical decisions. Several supporters singled out players like Raz Shlomo, Ben Hamo, and Ben Harush for their underwhelming performances, with some calling for changes to the squad. One fan commented, "If Raz Shlomo can't close such an event, he should be on the list of players to be released." Another lamented the midfield pairing of Ido Shahar and Dor Peretz, describing it as a nightmare.

Criticism also extended to the club's management for not postponing the match, which some viewed as a managerial blunder. Despite the negative reactions, fans urged the team to move forward and improve in upcoming fixtures. The loss marks a troubling start for Maccabi Tel Aviv, who will need to regroup quickly to avoid a difficult season ahead.