Ironi Kiryat Shmona vs Hapoel Tel Aviv Match Recap - Dec 13, 2025

Ironi Kiryat Shmona and Hapoel Tel Aviv Share the Spoils in a Thrilling 2-2 Draw

Adrián Ugarriza's late penalty salvaged a point for Ironi Kiryat Shmona, but Hapoel Tel Aviv's title ambitions take a hit after failing to secure victory.

Hapoel Tel Aviv's recent form suggested they would dominate this encounter, having won four of their last five matches, including a resounding 4-0 victory over Hapoel Petah Tikva just days prior. The attacking prowess of Loizos Loizou and Stav Torial had been pivotal, with Torial contributing significantly to the team's scoring efforts. However, today's match exposed vulnerabilities in their defense, particularly after Roee Alkoukin received a red card in the 78th minute, leaving Hapoel to fend off a determined Kiryat Shmona side with ten men.

Ironi Kiryat Shmona entered this match desperate for points, sitting in 11th place with only 12 points from 13 games. Their recent performances had been lackluster, with just one win in their last five outings. Yet, Yair Mordechai and Adrián Ugarriza showed flashes of brilliance, with Ugarriza continuing his scoring streak after netting twice against Ironi Tiberias earlier this month. His ability to find the back of the net proved crucial again today as he converted a penalty in stoppage time to level the score.

The match unfolded with Hapoel taking an early lead through Alkoukin, who capitalized on Kiryat Shmona's defensive lapses. Despite this setback, Kiryat Shmona responded well, showcasing resilience that has been absent in previous matches. Their midfield, led by Ofir Benbenishti, began to assert control, creating opportunities that ultimately led to Ugarriza's equalizer shortly after halftime.

Hapoel's second goal from Eran Turiel seemed to put them in a commanding position, but Kiryat Shmona's determination shone through as they pressed for an equalizer. The home side's tactical adjustments paid off, allowing them to exploit gaps in Hapoel's defense. The introduction of fresh legs in the midfield provided the necessary spark, culminating in Ugarriza's late penalty that secured a vital point.

Kiryat Shmona's performance today marked a significant improvement from their previous outings. They managed to maintain 56% possession and displayed a commendable pass accuracy of 79%, reflecting a more cohesive unit than seen in recent weeks. This newfound stability could be a turning point for the team as they look to climb out of the relegation zone.

Hapoel Tel Aviv will need to reassess their defensive strategies moving forward. Despite their strong attacking record, today's draw highlights the need for greater discipline and composure under pressure. The absence of Alkoukin for future matches will test their depth and resilience as they aim to maintain their position in the upper half of the table.

The implications of this draw extend beyond just points; it serves as a reminder that even teams at opposite ends of the standings can produce thrilling encounters. For Kiryat Shmona, this result could ignite a spark needed for their survival battle, while Hapoel must regroup quickly to avoid losing momentum in their pursuit of European competition.

Looking ahead, both teams face critical fixtures that will shape their respective seasons. Kiryat Shmona travels to Hapoel Petah Tikva next week, where they will seek to build on today's performance. Meanwhile, Hapoel Tel Aviv will host Maccabi Bnei Raina, aiming to bounce back and reaffirm their status as contenders.

This match encapsulated the unpredictable nature of football; despite differing trajectories, both teams left the pitch with lessons learned and stories to tell. The fight for survival and glory continues as the season unfolds, and today's clash will be remembered as a testament to the spirit of competition in Ligat Ha'al.