Maccabi Tel Aviv Overcomes Early Deficit to Rout Hapoel Jerusalem in Season Opener

Maccabi Tel Aviv started the 2026/7 Israeli Premier League season with a commanding 5-2 away victory over Hapoel Jerusalem, overturning an early goal conceded just 38 seconds into the match. Despite conceding quickly due to defensive lapses at Jerusalem's temporary home stadium in Rehovot, Maccabi demonstrated resilience and dominance throughout the game.

Hapoel Jerusalem had not beaten Maccabi in their last 10 encounters since a notable 2-1 win in March 2023, but managed to hold their lead only until the 24th minute. Roy Revivo equalized with a header, and before halftime, Maccabi captain and top scorer from last season, Dor Peretz, converted a penalty to put his team ahead. Peretz then completed his first career hat-trick in the second half, adding two more goals.

Substitute Said Abu-Farha also scored after coming on, and later took over as goalkeeper following the sending off of Maccabi’s keeper Ofek Malika and the exhaustion of substitutions. This emphatic win continues Maccabi’s strong record in season openers and extends their dominance over Jerusalem, who last defeated Maccabi at home in October 1998.

Maccabi Tel Aviv, traditionally a title favorite, showed early signs of a strong campaign after a disappointing previous season, while Hapoel Jerusalem will look to improve after this heavy defeat in their temporary venue.