News in Football: December 2025

Late Drama Lights Up the Israeli Premier League

The Israeli Premier League delivered a thrilling round of matches over the weekend, packed with late goals, red cards, and emphatic victories that kept fans on edge across the country.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Strike Late at Bloomfield

At Bloomfield Stadium, Maccabi Tel Aviv showed resilience to claim a dramatic 2–1 win over Hapoel Jerusalem. The match appeared to be slipping away when Roy Revivo was sent off for a second yellow card, allowing Guy Badash to convert a penalty and give the visitors the lead in the 67th minute.

However, Maccabi responded quickly. Ido Shahar leveled the score just minutes later, and deep into stoppage time, Ali Camara powered home a header from an Itamar Noy cross to seal all three points for Zarko Lazetic’s side.

“There were a lot of emotions, and that’s football,” Lazetic said afterward. “The red card forced us to react. We created many chances and believed we could still win.”

Hapoel Jerusalem coach Ziv Arie admitted his team lost focus late on. “In the final minutes, we did things we hadn’t done all game and allowed Maccabi back into it. It happened here last year too. We’ll deal with it.”

Beitar Jerusalem Hold Firm with Ten Men

Beitar Jerusalem also had to overcome adversity, edging Ironi Kiryat Shmona 2–1 at Teddy Stadium despite playing most of the match with ten men.

Although Kiryat Shmona controlled possession early, Beitar struck first through Adi Yona, who finished off a well-worked cross from Grigori Morozov in the 32nd minute. Omer Atzily doubled the lead shortly afterward, sending the hosts into halftime up 2–0.

The game shifted dramatically early in the second half. Ailson Tavares was sent off, and moments later, Cristian Martinez scored from the penalty spot to pull Kiryat Shmona back to 2–1. Despite the pressure, Beitar stayed organized and defended effectively to close out the win.

“We didn’t play great in the first half, but we were clinical,” coach Barak Itzhaki said. “After the red card and early goal, it felt like the momentum was against us. The players showed real character to see it through.”

Big Wins Elsewhere

Earlier in the round, Hapoel Tel Aviv cruised to a convincing 6–2 victory over Ashdod SC. After conceding in the opening minute, the hosts dominated the rest of the match. Roei Alkukin scored twice, while Stav Turiel starred with two assists, a forced own goal, and a powerful strike of his own. Chico completed the rout with a header late on.

Hapoel Petah Tikva matched that intensity with a 6–1 win over Maccabi Bnei Reineh. James Adenyi scored twice, while late goals from Roie David and Chipyoka Songa put the result beyond doubt.

Netanya Finish with a Flourish

The round concluded in Netanya, where the hosts staged a stunning late comeback to defeat Ironi Tiberias 5–2. After trailing deep into the second half, Wilson Harris scored twice in quick succession to turn the match on its head. Goals from Heriberto Tavares and Yuval Sadeh in stoppage time completed a remarkable five-goal surge.

With last-minute winners, teams battling with a man down, and several high-scoring matches, the Israeli Premier League produced one of its most entertaining rounds of the season so far, keeping the title race wide open as momentum continues to build.

Vocabulary List

1. snatch a win

Definition: to win very late or unexpectedly

Example: Maccabi Tel Aviv snatched a win with a goal in the final minutes.

2. sent off

Definition: removed from the game by the referee, usually after a red card

Example: The defender was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

3. convert a penalty

Definition: to successfully score from a penalty kick

Example: The striker calmly converted the penalty to give his team the lead.

4. level the score

Definition: to make the score equal

Example: Shahar leveled the score just minutes after the penalty.

5. deep into stoppage time

Definition: very late, after normal playing time has ended

Example: They scored the winner deep into stoppage time.

6. edge (a team)

Definition: to win by a very small margin

Example: Beitar edged Kiryat Shmona 2–1.

7. reduced to 10 men

Definition: having one fewer player after a red card

Example: The team was reduced to 10 men early in the second half.

8. hold off

Definition: to successfully resist pressure or attacks

Example: Beitar held off the visitors despite constant pressure.

9. demolition

Definition: a very one-sided and dominant victory

Example: Hapoel Tel Aviv produced a 6–2 demolition of Ashdod.

10. comeback

Definition: a situation where a team wins after being behind

Example: Netanya completed an incredible late comeback.

Worksheet

A. Comprehension Questions

1. How did Maccabi Tel Aviv score their winning goal against Hapoel Jerusalem?

2. What events changed the match in Beitar Jerusalem’s game early in the second half?

3. Which player stood out in Hapoel Tel Aviv’s big win over Ashdod?

4. How did Netanya manage to turn their match around late in the game?

5. What common themes appeared across many of the matches this weekend?

B. Vocabulary Matching

Match the word to the correct definition:

1. snatch a win

2. sent off

3. hold off

4. demolition

5. comeback

a. removed from the game by the referee b. a very dominant victory c. to win after being behind d. to resist pressure successfully e. to win late or unexpectedly

C. Fill in the Blanks

Use the words below: converted, edged, stoppage time, reduced, leveled

1. The striker __________ the penalty with confidence.

2. The team was __________ to 10 men after a red card.

3. A late goal in __________ time decided the match.

4. Beitar __________ their opponents by just one goal.

5. Shahar __________ the score shortly after the penalty.

D. Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think teams sometimes play better after receiving a red card?

2. Which match from the article would you most like to watch? Why?

3. Do late goals make football more exciting or more frustrating? Explain.

4. How important is mental strength when defending a lead with 10 players?

5. Have you ever watched a memorable comeback or dramatic sports moment?