Disappointment for Hapoel Haifa After Draw Against Hapoel Tel Aviv
Hapoel Haifa faced off against Hapoel Tel Aviv in a thrilling match that ended in a 3-3 draw at the weekend, leaving the team with a sense of disappointment. Having held a promising two-goal lead, the team ultimately allowed the advantage to slip away, with an own goal and a defensive mistake contributing to the parity.
Match Highlights
The game was marked by dramatic moments, including a late-game lapse in concentration that saw Hapoel Haifa squander two golden opportunities to secure a win. Players G’von East and Yaad Gstartn both had chances to find the net but were unable to convert.
start of the contentious incidents of the match was the red card issued to Hapoel Haifa coach Gal Arel by referee Shenir Levi. The decision means Arel will be unable to coach from the sidelines in the upcoming league match against Ironi Kiryat Shmona. Addressing the ejection, Arel stated, “I didn’t utter a word. You should ask Shenir Levi why I was sent off. It’s completely strange, both my dismissal and some of the borderline calls, but I’m tired of talking about the referees.”
Reflection on the Game
Following the match, Arel expressed that while the team played well and managed to reverse an early deficit, conceding goals from set pieces proved detrimental. “We were able to turn the game around and had a fantastic start to the second half with another goal. Unfortunately, we conceded from a dead ball situation, as well as the third goal. The problem is that we let the second start in too early, and momentum is crucial in football. We wanted to win, but now our focus shifts to Kiryat Shmona,” he remarked.
Arel also addressed the performance of G’von East, highlighting his contribution beyond mere statistics. “His impact goes beyond the numbers on the field; he adds value in other aspects as well. As a player, there are ups and downs, and that’s natural. I hope negotiations with him will conclude favorably for all parties involved.”
Player Insights
Liran Sardar, start of the standout players in the match, opened up about his season struggles due to injuries. “I started preparations with an injury from the end of last season, came back, and then got injured again before entering the lineup. I was out for a month. I tried to rush my return to the starting eleven. I’m pleased to have scored against Hapoel Tel Aviv; it was important for me personally. I felt that we prepared well for this game. It’s unfortunate that we conceded two goals from set pieces, but we must learn from this and focus on the next match against Ironi Kiryat Shmona,” Sardar explained.
As Hapoel Haifa moves forward, the team is determined to address its shortcomings and regain momentum in the league as they prepare for their upcoming fixture.