Maccabi Tel Aviv FC staged a spectacular comeback at Bloomfield Stadium on what can only be described as a thrilling afternoon of football, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat against Maccabi Petah Tikva. The WINNER League MD15 early kickoff match saw Maccabi, intent on building from their last victory over Hapoel Jerusalem, secure their tenth win of the season.
Head Coach Zarko Lazetic made several changes to the squad. Tyrese Asante and Roy Revivo returned to the right-back and left-back positions respectively, with Stav Lemkin and Nemanja Stojic forming the central defense. Goalkeeper Roi Mishpati was protected by this back line, as Joris van Overeem took up the role of defensive midfielder, supported by Gabi Kanichowsky and Dor Peretz, the latter wearing the captain’s armband.
Osher Davida and Weslley Patati were tasked with providing width on the flanks, and Dor Turgeman led the front line, eager to add to his tally of five league goals. Young goalkeeper Ofek Melika, returning from injury, was named on the substitutes bench alongside other notable players.
Before the match began, the club honored Eyal Golasa for his contributions, alongside memorials for former club masseur Itzik Kameri and Moshe Meiri, former coach of Maccabi Petah Tikva.
The first half, unfortunately for Maccabi, began on the wrong foot. Just five minutes in, Petah Tikva's Vitaly Demascan found the back of the net, taking advantage of Maccabi’s defensive lapse. Maccabi looked to respond, with attempts from Weslley Patati nearly equalizing, but luck was not on their side. Petah Tikva doubled their advantage just past the half-hour mark, as Demascan struck again, this time unleashing a powerful drive from outside the penalty area, leaving Mishpati no chance.
Despite Maccabi's pleas for a penalty—when Dor Turgeman was clearly pushed inside the box—referee Ohad Ashulin waved play on. Just before halftime, Maccabi finally found their footing; Gabi Kanichowsky's square ball set up Dor Peretz, who finished expertly to bring the score to 2-1.
Emerging from the dressing room for the second half, Maccabi was resolved to push forward. Their efforts bore fruit when, on the hour mark, Weslley Patati scored directly from a corner, igniting the crowd’s excitement and leveling the score at 2-2. The atmosphere at Bloomfield Stadium buzzed as the fans hardly had time to catch their breath before witnessing the comeback they craved. Just two minutes later, another corner from Kanichowsky found Peretz, who powered home a header to complete the turnaround and put Maccabi 3-2 up.
After their rapid succession of goals, Lazetic decided to freshen the squad by making a double substitution, bringing on Raz Shlomo and Eran Zahavi for Tyrese Ashante and Dor Turgeman respectively. The final stages of the match saw Peretz exit to thunderous applause from the stands, replaced by Ido Shahar, and Idan Nachmias took the field for Stav Lemkin as Maccabi looked to see out the match.
Despite some late pressure from Maccabi Petah Tikva, including efforts by Joris van Overeem, Maccabi held firm, and the match concluded with Maccabi Tel Aviv celebrating their hard-fought victory, reflecting their resilience and determination.
This riveting match showcased Maccabi Tel Aviv FC's fighting spirit, rallying from adversity and proving once again why they are among the top contenders this season.
