Hapoel Beer Sheva vs Maccabi Netanya Match Recap - Dec 13, 2025

Hapoel Beer Sheva Dominates Maccabi Netanya, Solidifying Their Title Aspirations

Hapoel Beer Sheva's 2-0 victory over Maccabi Netanya underscores their dominance in the Ligat Ha'al, extending their unbeaten run to 11 matches. This performance not only solidifies their position at the top of the table but also highlights their tactical superiority and depth in squad quality.

Dan Biton continues to be a pivotal figure for Hapoel, scoring the opener just one minute into the match. His early goal set the tone for a commanding performance, reflecting his recent form where he has consistently found the net. With five goals this season, Biton has emerged as a clutch performer, proving instrumental in tight matches. His ability to capitalize on early opportunities has become a hallmark of Hapoel's strategy, allowing them to dictate the pace of play.

Hapoel Beer Sheva's statistics reveal a team in control. They outperformed Maccabi Netanya in shots on goal (3 to 0) and total shots (9 to 3), showcasing their attacking prowess. The possession stats further illustrate their dominance, with Hapoel holding 57% of the ball compared to Netanya's 43%. This control allowed them to dictate the rhythm of the game, limiting Netanya's chances and forcing them into defensive positions.

Igor Zlatanović added a second goal in the 59th minute, reinforcing Hapoel's lead and demonstrating their attacking depth. Zlatanović's consistent performances have been crucial; he scored in the previous match against Maccabi Tel Aviv and continues to be a reliable source of goals. His ability to find space and finish clinically has made him a key asset in Hapoel's title chase.

Maccabi Netanya's recent form has been a mixed bag, with this loss marking their fifth defeat of the season. Despite a thrilling 4-3 victory against Hapoel Haifa just days prior, they struggled to replicate that attacking flair against Hapoel Beer Sheva. Their inability to register a shot on target speaks volumes about Hapoel's defensive organization and Netanya's lack of creativity in the final third.

The statistics reveal Maccabi Netanya's struggles in maintaining possession and creating opportunities. They managed only 184 passes with an accuracy of 82%, significantly lower than Hapoel's 246 passes at 87% accuracy. This disparity reflects a team that was unable to establish any rhythm or cohesion, often resorting to long balls that failed to penetrate Hapoel's well-structured defense.

Yuval Sade, who received a red card in the 76th minute, epitomizes Maccabi Netanya's frustrations. His dismissal compounded an already challenging match and highlighted their disciplinary issues; they have accumulated numerous yellow cards this season, indicating a lack of composure under pressure. This incident not only affected the match but also raises questions about their mental fortitude moving forward.

Hapoel Beer Sheva's defensive metrics remain impressive, with their backline effectively neutralizing Maccabi Netanya's threats. The combination of Or Blorian and Djibril Diop provided stability, allowing goalkeeper Niv Eliasi to remain largely untested throughout the match. Their ability to maintain clean sheets has been a cornerstone of Hapoel's success this season, contributing to their formidable reputation.

The implications of this match extend beyond just three points. Hapoel Beer Sheva now sits comfortably at the top of the table with 32 points, while Maccabi Netanya remains in fourth place with 22 points. The gap between these two teams is indicative of the current form and quality disparity; Hapoel is not just winning but doing so convincingly, while Netanya must reassess their approach if they hope to challenge for higher honors.

Looking ahead, Hapoel Beer Sheva will face Ironi Tiberias next, where they will aim to continue their winning streak and maintain pressure on their rivals. Meanwhile, Maccabi Netanya must regroup before their clash against Maccabi Tel Aviv, a match that could define their season if they are to remain competitive in the upper echelons of the league.

This match encapsulates the ongoing narrative of Hapoel Beer Sheva as title contenders and Maccabi Netanya as a team searching for consistency. The contrasting trajectories of these two clubs serve as a reminder of the fine margins in football; one team's resurgence can often highlight another's struggles. As the season progresses, both teams will need to adapt and evolve if they wish to achieve their respective goals.