Beitar Jerusalem 3-1 Maccabi Petah Tikva: Hosts Power to Convincing Win

Beitar Jerusalem continued their strong start to the Israel Premier League season with a commanding 3-1 victory over Maccabi Petah Tikva on September 16, 2026, at Teddy Stadium. In front of a passionate home crowd, Beitar's attacking quality proved too much for the visitors, who remain without a win in their last three matches.

Match Overview

Beitar took the lead in the 21st minute when striker Dan Einbinder reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, firing home from close range. The hosts doubled their advantage in the 39th minute through a stunning free-kick from midfielder Ofir Kriaf, who curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner. Maccabi Petah Tikva halved the deficit just before half-time, with Idan Golan heading in from a corner in the 45th minute.

Any hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 67th minute when Beitar's Yarden Shua finished off a rapid counter-attack, slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. From there, Beitar controlled the game, and Maccabi Petah Tikva rarely threatened. The win moves Beitar into the top three, while Maccabi Petah Tikva remain in the bottom half of the table.

Key Moments

• 21' – Dan Einbinder opens the scoring for Beitar Jerusalem.
• 39' – Ofir Kriaf doubles the lead with a superb free-kick.
• 45' – Idan Golan pulls one back for Maccabi Petah Tikva.
• 67' – Yarden Shua restores Beitar's two-goal lead.
• 85' – Beitar goalkeeper Itay Zaken makes a vital save to deny a late consolation.

Tactical Story

Beitar set up in a 4-3-3 and looked to get the ball wide to their attacking full-backs, who provided constant overlaps. Their midfield pressed aggressively, forcing Maccabi Petah Tikva into turnovers. The visitors, using a 4-4-2, struggled to maintain possession and were often reduced to long balls forward.

Beitar's manager made a key adjustment at half-time, instructing his team to sit slightly deeper and hit on the break, which led to the third goal. Maccabi Petah Tikva's coach made attacking substitutions, but they failed to break down a disciplined Beitar defence.

Standout Players

Dan Einbinder was a constant threat up front, while Ofir Kriaf ran the show in midfield with his passing and set-piece ability. Yarden Shua was electric on the counter. For Maccabi Petah Tikva, Idan Golan took his goal well, but the team lacked creativity elsewhere.

Israel Premier League Table Impact

Beitar Jerusalem's win strengthens their position in the top three and keeps them within touching distance of the league leaders. Maccabi Petah Tikva, meanwhile, are left looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone. With the season still young, there is time to turn things around, but the pressure is mounting on the coaching staff.