Hapoel Rishon Lezion produced a stirring late comeback to beat Sport Club Dimona 3-2 in the Israel Cup on 26 October 2026, turning a tense cup tie on its head with two goals in the closing stages. The result sends Hapoel Rishon Lezion into the next round and leaves Sport Club Dimona to reflect on a brave performance that ultimately fell just short.

Match overview

Sport Club Dimona made the brighter start in front of their home support, pressing high and looking to force mistakes in the early exchanges. Their direct approach paid off when they opened the scoring, giving the hosts a deserved lead and a wave of confidence. Hapoel Rishon Lezion responded well, gradually settling into possession and finding space between the lines.

The visitors equalised before half-time, converting a well-worked set piece to restore parity and quieten the home crowd. The second half was an end-to-end affair, with Sport Club Dimona retaking the lead after a quick counter-attack, only for Hapoel Rishon Lezion to respond again. With the match seemingly heading towards extra time, the visitors found a late winner to complete a dramatic 3-2 victory.

Key moments

• Sport Club Dimona took an early lead after sustained pressure, finishing calmly from inside the penalty area.
• Hapoel Rishon Lezion equalised before the break with a set-piece routine that caught the Dimona defence off guard.
• Early in the second half, Dimona regained the advantage with a fast break and a composed finish.
• Hapoel Rishon Lezion levelled again with a low strike from the edge of the box after a period of sustained possession.
• With the tie threatening to go to extra time, a late attacking move ended with the winning goal for Hapoel Rishon Lezion.

Tactical story

Sport Club Dimona were direct and aggressive, looking to win the ball high and attack quickly. Their forward line pressed the Rishon centre-backs, and their best moments came from transitions and crosses into the box. That approach earned them two leads, but it also left space for Hapoel Rishon Lezion to exploit as the game wore on.

Hapoel Rishon Lezion grew into the contest by controlling possession and using wide overloads to stretch the Dimona defence. Their midfielders rotated well, and as Dimona tired in the final 20 minutes, the visitors found more room between the lines. The introduction of fresh legs from the bench added energy in the final third, and it was no surprise when the late pressure produced the decisive goal.

Standout performers

Hapoel Rishon Lezion's midfield controlled the rhythm of the match, especially in the second half, while their substitute forward made a telling impact in the closing stages. For Sport Club Dimona, the striker led the line impressively and was involved in both goals, while the goalkeeper made several important saves to keep the tie alive until the final moments.

What it means

The win sends Hapoel Rishon Lezion through to the next round of the Israel Cup and gives the squad a timely confidence boost. For Sport Club Dimona, the defeat is a difficult one to take after leading twice, but the performance showed plenty of character and attacking intent. In a knockout competition, fine margins decide ties, and Hapoel Rishon Lezion's ability to respond three times in a five-goal contest proved decisive.