Hapoel Jerusalem produced a clinical attacking display to win 4-2 away at Maccabi Petah Tikva FC in the Israel Premier League on 20 September 2026. In a match that delivered six goals, Hapoel's speed in transition and ruthless finishing proved the difference.

Match overview

Hapoel Jerusalem started quickly and stunned the home crowd with two goals inside the opening 25 minutes. Maccabi Petah Tikva responded and pulled one back before half-time, but Hapoel restored their two-goal cushion in first-half stoppage time. Petah Tikva made it 3-2 in the second half and pushed for an equalizer, only for Hapoel to seal the points with a late fourth goal.

Key moments

• 9' — Hapoel Jerusalem 1-0: Guy Badash opened the scoring with a first-time finish after a low cross from the left.
• 23' — Hapoel Jerusalem 2-0: Badash turned provider, sliding a pass through for Eylon Almog to finish one-on-one.
• 38' — Maccabi Petah Tikva 1-2: Idan Golan gave the hosts hope with a header from a corner.
• 45+2' — Hapoel Jerusalem 3-1: Tomer Yosefi restored the two-goal lead with a curling effort from the edge of the box.
• 67' — Maccabi Petah Tikva 2-3: Roy Korine finished a quick counter to set up a tense finale.
• 88' — Hapoel Jerusalem 4-2: Badash grabbed his second of the night, converting a rebound after the goalkeeper parried.

Tactical story

Hapoel Jerusalem pressed high and targeted the space behind Maccabi Petah Tikva's advancing full-backs. Their midfield won the ball in dangerous areas and immediately looked forward, creating several clear chances. Petah Tikva improved after half-time by pushing their wingers narrower and committing more bodies forward, but that left them vulnerable to Hapoel's counter-attacks.

The hosts had spells of pressure and scored twice from set-piece and transition situations, yet their defensive shape broke down too easily. Hapoel's ability to answer each Petah Tikva goal was the defining feature of the contest.

Standout players

Guy Badash was the standout with two goals and an assist, constantly finding pockets between the lines. Eylon Almog was a threat throughout, while Tomer Yosefi's goal was a moment of individual quality. For Maccabi Petah Tikva, Idan Golan and Roy Korine took their chances well, but the team's defensive errors proved costly.

What the result means

Hapoel Jerusalem climb the Israel Premier League standings and strengthen their push for a top-six finish. The away win also gives them a valuable head-to-head advantage in the race for European qualification. Maccabi Petah Tikva remain in the mid-table pack but will be concerned by conceding four goals at home. The result leaves both sides with plenty to work on as the season progresses.