Beitar Jerusalem

Hapoel coach Ziv Arie lamented the slow start but noted his side created chances, while goalkeeper Nadav Zamir admitted the early goal made the match difficult.

As the Israel Soccer League resumed play across the country this week, the atmosphere was eerie. It evoked the empty-stadium days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Gadrani, who joined the club at the end of September from Kairat Almaty, has been one of the standouts as the Georgian national team defender provides a cool, calm, and collected presence.

When Beitar Jerusalem started to score, score, and score some more this week at Maccabi Netanya, you could feel that the floodgates had opened and there was history in the making.

Elsewhere, Hapoel Petah Tikva slipped by Maccabi Haifa 1-0 as Mamady Diarra scored the lone goal of the match in the 59th minute to take the points and stay in the Championship Playoff picture.

Bohbot said that what helps him most during his recovery period is focusing on his book, '738 Days in Hamas Captivity.' "I'm trying to push it," he said.

In addition, Maccabi Haifa and Beersheba secure wins while Beitar honors former hostage Elkana Bohbot before a goalless draw with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Late headers, big saves, and packed stadiums highlight a dramatic week in the Israeli Premier League.

Beersheba will face second-place Beitar Jerusalem in its next league match.

Beitar, for the first time in what seemed to be eons, was atop the table with the season having just completed Matchday 19, as it took over sole possession of first place.