Maccabi Haifa edge Hapoel Ramat Gan in late-night Israeli Premier League thriller

Maccabi Haifa began their 2026-27 Israeli Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Hapoel Ramat Gan, producing a determined second-half turnaround in a match that stretched deep into the night. The result gives one of Israel's most decorated clubs an early statement of intent as they look to reclaim domestic supremacy.

The Green and Whites controlled large periods of possession but found Hapoel Ramat Gan stubborn and well-organised. Ramat Gan, playing with the freedom of underdogs, frustrated the hosts for much of the first half and were rewarded for their disciplined shape with a goal that silenced the home support. However, Maccabi Haifa responded with greater urgency after the interval, pushing higher up the pitch and forcing the visitor's defence into repeated errors.

Key moments and match story

• Breaking the deadlock: Hapoel Ramat Gan stunned Maccabi Haifa with a well-worked counter-attack to open the scoring against the run of play.
• Maccabi Haifa's response: The home side shifted to a more aggressive pressing system early in the second half and equalised within minutes, lifting the atmosphere inside the stadium.
• Winner found late: A sustained spell of pressure eventually produced the decisive goal, with Maccabi Haifa converting from close range to secure all three points.

Maccabi Haifa's ability to grind out results after falling behind is exactly the kind of character that has defined their recent success. For a club accustomed to title challenges, the opening-weekend win sends a clear message to their rivals, while the narrow scoreline also serves as a reminder that every opponent in the Israeli Premier League can pose problems.

Hapoel Ramat Gan will take encouragement from their competitive display, even in defeat. They troubled a much bigger club for long stretches and showed enough organisation and attacking threat to suggest they can be a difficult side to play against this season. Ultimately, though, the night belonged to Maccabi Haifa, who banked three precious points and moved to the right side of the early standings.