Hapoel Ramat Gan stun Maccabi Netanya in five-goal Toto Cup thriller

Maccabi Netanya and Hapoel Ramat Gan served up a pulsating encounter in the Israel Ligat Al Toto Cup on August 3, 2026, with the visiting side emerging victorious in a dramatic 3-2 away win. The match swung back and forth, but Hapoel Ramat Gan's clinical edge in the final third proved decisive.

Match overview

The game exploded into life from the opening exchanges. Maccabi Netanya drew first blood, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to take an early lead in front of their home supporters. However, Hapoel Ramat Gan responded quickly, showing composure beyond their status as underdogs to level the score before halftime.

The second half brought more chaos. Ramat Gan pushed ahead for the first time, only for Netanya to respond with a well-taken equalizer that reignited the home crowd. But just as the match seemed destined for a share of the spoils, Hapoel Ramat Gan struck the decisive blow, converting a late counter-attack to seal a memorable away triumph.

Key moments and tactical story

Maccabi Netanya dominated territory and possession, yet Hapoel Ramat Gan's counter-attacking strategy was ruthlessly effective. The visitors absorbed pressure, then broke with pace and purpose, consistently finding space behind Netanya's high defensive line.

Set pieces also played a role, with both teams threatening from dead-ball situations. Ultimately, it was Ramat Gan's efficiency in transition—and Netanya's inability to convert sustained pressure into goals—that separated the sides.

Toto Cup group implications

This result gives Hapoel Ramat Gan a crucial early boost in the group stage, while Maccabi Netanya will look to bounce back quickly. Five goals and a late winner made for a highly entertaining fixture that highlighted the unpredictability of cup football in Israel.

• Final score: Maccabi Netanya 2-3 Hapoel Ramat Gan
• Competition: Israel Ligat Al Toto Cup
• Date: August 3, 2026
• Result type: Away win, high-scoring affair