The night sky over Beersheba was lit not only by fireworks but also by the electric atmosphere inside the stadium as Hapoel Beersheba faced Maccabi Tel Aviv in the decisive match of the 2025/26 Israel Football League season. Both sides entered the contest with everything on the line, knowing that a single moment could rewrite the narrative of their campaigns.
Penalties and Early Sparks
The opening exchanges produced a swift penalty after a handball by Ali Camara, a moment that saw Igor Zaltanovic step up and convert calmly. Maccabi Tel Aviv answered back with their own spot‑kick, awarded after Djibril Diop's handball, and Dor Peretz made no mistake, leveling the scores. The early exchange set the tone for a match that would be defined by set‑piece drama.
A Second‑Half Surge
The second half erupted with activity. Kings Kangwa opened the scoring for Beersheba, his effort set up by Amir Ganach, while Kerwin Andrade replied for the visitors, assisted by Issouf Sissokho. Javon East then threaded a precise pass to Zahi Ahmed, who finished with a cool strike to put Beersheba three up. The climax arrived when Miguel Vitor, the team captain, rose highest to head the fourth goal, sealing a 4‑2 victory that sparked jubilant celebrations among players and fans alike.
Coach Ran Kozuk, lifted onto the podium, expressed profound gratitude to the squad, the club's owner Alona Barkat, and the unwavering supporters whose chants echoed throughout the game. "This championship is the fruit of collective effort," he said, "and we owe it to every person who believed in us."
Leadership Praise and Reflection
Erez Kalfon, Chairman of the Professional Football Leagues Administration, congratulated Beersheba on their triumph, extending commendations to the owner, coaching staff, players, and the fan base that powered the campaign. Shino Zoaretz, Chairman of the Israel Football Association, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the significance of Beersheba's achievement while also praising Beitar Jerusalem for a season that, despite ending in a goalless draw against Hapoel Petah Tikva, offered plenty of excitement.
Beitar Jerusalem's journey concluded with a 0‑0 stalemate, a result that left Coach Barak Itzhaki grateful for the fans' unwavering support and proud of the team's overall performance. Captain Yarden Shua reflected on the season's highs and lows, acknowledging that the supporters' passion had been a constant source of motivation.
Looking Ahead
The immediate future holds two crucial fixtures for the newly crowned champions: a final league encounter against Maccabi Haifa followed by a showdown in the State Cup final against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Both matches promise to test the squad's depth and focus as they aim to finish the season on a high note.