Derby Day: Maccabi Haifa Hosts Hapoel Haifa in High-Stakes Clash

Match Overview

On January 5, 2026, at 20:30, the highly anticipated derby match between Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Haifa took place at Sammy Ofer Stadium as part of the Winner Premier League’s 17th round. This significant match showcased two rivals, with Maccabi Haifa looking to build on their recent success, while Hapoel Haifa aimed to turn their fortunes around.

Team Performances

Maccabi Haifa’s Rising Form

Maccabi Haifa enters this match in impressive form, having won five of their last six matches across all competitions, including four in the league. Their sole defeat came against Beitar Jerusalem in their previous home game at Sammy Ofer. In their last outing, Maccabi Haifa produced a commanding 4-0 victory against M.S. Ashdod, displaying what many considered their best performance of the season.

Hapoel Haifa’s Struggles

Conversely, Hapoel Haifa has faced challenges in their recent campaign, recording only two wins in their last ten matches, accompanied by seven losses and a draw. Their last two games were particularly tough, suffering a 5-0 defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the cup and a 2-0 loss to Bnei Sakhnin in the league.

Key Players and Coaches

Maccabi Haifa’s head coach, Barak Bachar, faces Hapoel Haifa for the first time since his previous tenure with Maccabi, which ended unfavorably after a significant defeat to the same rival. Hapoel Haifa is led by Gal Arel, who seeks to inject new life into the team after a challenging start to the season.

Historical Context

The last derby match ended in a draw at 1-1 during Diego Flores’ coaching period. Maccabi Haifa’s previous victory against Hapoel, which took place in March 2025, saw them triumph with a score of 2-0.

Looking Ahead

As the match progresses, both teams strive to assert dominance in this historic rivalry, with Maccabi Haifa aiming to maintain their winning momentum and Hapoel Haifa hoping for a resurgence. Fans eagerly anticipate the outcome as the derby unfolds at Sammy Ofer Stadium.

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