Maccabi Tel Aviv Overcomes Early Goal to Defeat Hapoel Jerusalem 5-2 in Season Opener

Maccabi Tel Aviv staged an impressive comeback to defeat Hapoel Jerusalem 5-2 in the opening match of the Israeli Premier League on August 23, 2026. The game began with a lightning-fast goal by Vitali Damskan for Jerusalem just 38 seconds into the match. However, Maccabi quickly regained control, with Roy Revivo equalizing in the 24th minute.

Dor Peretz was the standout player, scoring a hat-trick with goals in stoppage time of the first half (45+2) and twice more in the second half (63, 71). Saeid Abu Farhi also contributed a goal in the 68th minute, coming on as a substitute goalkeeper after Ofek Malika was sent off with a red card late in the game. Abu Farhi even conceded a free kick from Hapoel's Ohad Almog during stoppage time.

The match marked a strong return for Maccabi Tel Aviv after a disappointing loss in Switzerland, showcasing their ability to create and convert scoring chances, a problem they faced in European competition. Despite the early setback, the reigning cup holders demonstrated resilience and attacking prowess, giving coach Kenny Miller and his squad positive takeaways for the season ahead.

The game was eventful and intense, with Maccabi's comeback highlighting their character and offensive strength. The red card to Malika forced an unusual situation with a forward taking over as goalkeeper, adding drama to the closing moments. Overall, the victory set a confident tone for Maccabi Tel Aviv's league campaign.