Beitar Jerusalem came out flying this week against Maccabi Petah Tikva, creating one chance after another in the opening minutes as they pressed high and tried to suffocate the visitors by refusing to let them complete a single pass.
The strategy against the newly promoted club worked to perfection as Tomer Yosefi fed Shon Weissman a perfect ball in the box, which the striker calmly converted with one touch into the back of the net for his first league goal and a marker that set the tone for the yellow-and-black going forward.
Maccabi Petah Tikva certainly had its opportunities, some of which should have resulted in goals, but Almog Cohen’s shot-stopper, Miguel Silva, was up to the task time and again, making save after save to keep the ball out of the net while other attempts simply missed the target.
In the end, Beitar ran out a 3-1 winner, more than doubling their goal output and sending the more than 21,000 fans home happy.
Beating the former Leumit club was exactly what Beitar needed, but it was hardly a definitive test of Cohen and his squad. It was a game that needed to be won and, in truth, one that should have been put out of reach much earlier, with Beitar nursing a 2-0 lead for the majority of the match. Petah Tikva also does not possess the quality of a championship playoff contender, something that must be taken into account.
Still, Cohen registered only the second victory of his young head-coaching career and helped Beitar even its record at 2-2. More importantly, the club now has two winnable matches ahead before returning to Teddy Stadium for a highly anticipated meeting with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Beitar to welcome Hapoel Haifa to its temporary Bloomfield home
Before the international break, Beitar will welcome Hapoel Haifa to its temporary Bloomfield home before traveling to Rehovot Stadium to face Hapoel Ramat Gan. Four consecutive victories would suddenly put the capital club in position to begin breathing down Maccabi Tel Aviv’s neck.
It may be premature to look that far ahead, but if Beitar can reproduce the intensity it showed in front of its passionate home support, the possibility is certainly there.
The pressing has been central to that improvement, requiring commitment, effort and a willingness to play at both ends of the pitch. Cohen’s troops delivered all three against Petah Tikva. From the opening whistle, it was clear they wanted the win and were not prepared to rely solely on talent and technical ability.
That mentality began with Yosefi and Weissman. The duo created numerous chances while also putting in the work required to win the ball and keep the pressure on the visitors.
When Beitar signed Weissman, he was heralded as one of Israel’s leading players abroad and a potential game-changer whose technical ability could help fill the net. Finally, after four matches, the 30-year-old striker had his moment in the sun, slicing the ball past Maor Erlich and celebrating before the roaring yellow-and-black crowd.
Weissman understands that expectations will remain high, but he is embracing both the pressure and the opportunity to build something in Jerusalem.
“As a striker, at the end of the day you have to score goals and be judged on numbers and goals,” he said. “More importantly, of course, we won, and that’s what makes it so exciting and enjoyable. Now we move forward.”
Beitar may sit seventh with six points, while Maccabi Tel Aviv remains perfect at 4-0 with 12 points, but the capital club now has momentum – and, perhaps more importantly, belief.
Beitar to face Hapoel Haifa in final Bloomfield home game
First comes Hapoel Haifa on Saturday night, Beitar’s final home game at Bloomfield before the club returns to Teddy Stadium next month.
“We’re already thinking about Saturday,” Weissman said. “If it’s this crazy here at Bloomfield, I don’t know what to expect at Teddy Stadium. But I’m happy, and I really can’t wait to get back to Teddy next month. I’m already looking forward to it.”
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