The showdown between Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Katamon at Sammy Ofer Stadium on November 1, 2025, delivered an end-to-end thriller that left fans on the edge of their seats, wrapping up in a dramatic 2-2 draw. As the whistle blew, both teams walked away knowing that points were gained-and lost-in equal measure, underscoring their contrasting fortunes in the Ligat Ha'al.
Entering the match, Maccabi Haifa stood in ninth place, desperately searching for momentum after a string of frustrating results that included four draws and two losses in their last six games. They were determined to turn their season around, and the promise of home turf loomed large. On the other side, Hapoel Katamon, firmly anchored in thirteenth with two points from eight games, aimed to break a winless streak that had extended to six matches. They were in dire need of a victory, and their spirit reflected a blend of anxiety and hope.
The first half unfolded without any goals, though it was not devoid of action. Each team tested the waters, but neither could find the back of the net. Fans were left wondering if perhaps the match would continue the trend of missed opportunities that had plagued Maccabi Haifa lately. I had surmised in my preview that goals might be scarce, and while I was right about the first half, I certainly misjudged the explosive second period that was to come.
The turning point arrived just five minutes into the second half when Trivante Stewart broke the deadlock for Maccabi Haifa at the 50-minute mark, igniting a wave of celebration among the home fans. The striker, who had been one of the few bright spots for Haifa in recent matches, found himself in the right place at the right time-an excellent build-up play had opened the door for him to slot home and give his team the lead.
However, the resilience of Hapoel Katamon shone through as the match progressed. They did not shy away from the challenge and equalized in the 70th minute through A. Eshata, who capitalized on a defensive lapse from the hosts. The atmosphere shifted dramatically; the once-boisterous crowd of Haifa fans now felt the tension of a game that was slipping away from their grasp.
In a twist of fate that only added to the drama, Trivante Stewart was awarded a penalty just ten minutes later for Maccabi Haifa after being fouled in the box. With confidence flowing through his veins, Stewart stepped up to take the kick. The fans held their breath, and the outcome was a moment of joy as he calmly converted, putting Haifa ahead once again at 2-1 in the 60th minute.
But the thrill of a potential victory was short-lived. As the clock wound down, Hapoel Katamon found one final surge, and in a move that could define their entire season, they pulled level again with a dramatic goal in stoppage time, the result of sheer determination. The match ended 2-2, and with it, both teams continued to grapple with their place in the league.
For Maccabi Haifa, the draw keeps them in ninth place with ten points-far from the heights expected of one of Israel's premier clubs. While they displayed moments of brilliance, they also left the pitch knowing they had failed to secure a crucial win. Their upcoming match against Bnei Sakhnin will be pivotal; they cannot afford more dropped points if they hope to rise above mid-table mediocrity.
Meanwhile, Hapoel Katamon, still searching for their first victory, remains at the bottom of the standings with just two points. Each match they play now feels like a fight for survival. Their upcoming clash against Hapoel Tel Aviv holds great significance; a win could serve as the catalyst they desperately need to climb out of the relegation battle.
In conclusion, both teams are at crossroads, each facing immense pressure and seeking a spark to reignite their season. The gripping narrative of redemption is just beginning, and both Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Katamon must find solutions quickly to avoid letting the season slip away entirely. The race in the Ligat Ha'al is tightening, and the next few matches could redefine their trajectories.