Maccabi Kiryat Gat vs Hapoel Herzliya Match Recap - Jan 2, 2026

Maccabi Kiryat Gat Dominates Hapoel Herzliya, Extends Unbeaten Streak to 12 Matches

Maccabi Kiryat Gat's relentless pursuit of Liga Alef glory continues as they dismantle Hapoel Herzliya 3-1, solidifying their position at the top of the table with an impressive 30 points from 12 matches. This victory marks their ninth win of the season, showcasing a team that has mastered the art of scoring while maintaining defensive solidity. The attacking trio of Hadad, Shifman, and Toabu proved instrumental, each contributing to a commanding first-half performance that left Herzliya reeling.

Recent form for Maccabi Kiryat Gat has been nothing short of spectacular. With four wins and a draw in their last five matches, they have established themselves as the team to beat. The offensive prowess displayed against Beitar Yavne, where they netted four goals, is indicative of their attacking depth. Mishali, who has been a standout performer, continued his fine form by assisting in today's match, further emphasizing the collective strength of this squad. Their ability to score early and often has become a hallmark of their play, allowing them to dictate the tempo and control matches effectively.

Hapoel Herzliya's struggles persist as they remain mired in mid-table mediocrity, now sitting in 11th place with just 16 points. Their recent form tells a grim story: three losses followed by two draws have left them searching for answers. The lone goal from Sasson today provided a brief flicker of hope but ultimately did little to mask the underlying issues plaguing the team. Defensive lapses have become all too familiar, with today's match highlighting their inability to cope with Kiryat Gat's relentless pressure.

The contrast between the two teams' recent performances is stark. Maccabi Kiryat Gat's average possession rate hovers around 60%, allowing them to control games and create high-quality chances. Their expected goals (xG) metrics reflect a clinical edge in front of goal, converting opportunities into tangible results. In contrast, Hapoel Herzliya's xG figures reveal a troubling trend of missed chances and defensive frailties. The inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities against lower-ranked teams has compounded their woes, leaving them vulnerable to counterattacks.

Toabu emerged as a key figure in this match, continuing his scoring streak after netting in previous outings. His ability to find space and finish under pressure has made him a vital asset for Kiryat Gat. Meanwhile, Reich, Herzliya's leading scorer, has struggled to find consistency, which has hindered the team's ability to mount effective attacks. The pressure on him to deliver in crucial moments is palpable, and today's performance did little to alleviate that burden.

Looking ahead, Maccabi Kiryat Gat will face Maccabi Ashdod next, where they will aim to extend their unbeaten run and maintain their title challenge. With confidence soaring and momentum firmly on their side, they are poised to continue their dominance in Liga Alef. Conversely, Hapoel Herzliya must regroup quickly before facing Shimshon Tel Aviv. They need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and find a way to convert chances into goals if they hope to climb the standings.

Reflecting on my pre-match prediction, I anticipated a convincing victory for Maccabi Kiryat Gat, and they delivered emphatically. The gap between these two teams is widening, and unless Herzliya can find a way to turn their fortunes around, they risk being left behind in the race for promotion. Today's match was not just another fixture; it was a clear indication of the contrasting trajectories these teams are on-one soaring high while the other grapples with despair.