12 years have passed since the last time that Maccabi Netanya achieved a victory in the opening round of the Premier League, and it was 1:4 at home against Beitar Jerusalem, which they also meet tonight (Saturday). The host, who was ranked fourth last season, finished 2021/22 with a of 12 home games without a loss and expects to extend it against Beitar, which was organized significantly late in light of the administrative problems and, despite the change of owners, suffers from a particularly short and lacking squad.
The direction of the game was clear from the opening whistle. Maccabi Netanya pressed and didn’t stop threatening from all ranges, while taking advantage of Beitar Jerusalem’s shaky and insecure defensive unit. After a few balls that flew near the posts and those that were deflected by Nathaniel Deloya, the flood of yellows began – and tonight the Maccabi Netanya players wore yellow. Igor Zlatanovich Crushed the guest’s rear link, cooked for Gil Yitzhak and then added a double courtesy of Max Grechkin – who on paper was actually supposed to be the best player in Yossi Abouxis’ defense and on the grass looked very bad.
Beitar Masada, built on passing attacks under the possession of the fast and powerful Danilo Asperia. The Colombian did the job with a goal and creating several situations, but the catastrophic defensive performance of his teammates was much more effective than his positive moves.
the vehicles
Maccabi Netanya: Itamar Nitzan, Kerem Jaber, Flaman Glabov, Raz Shlomo, Florian Hartherz, Boris Eno, Yuval Sde, Patrick Tovmasi, Liran Rothman, Gil Yitzhak, Igor Zlatanovich.
Beitar Jerusalem: Nathanael Deloya, Avishai Cohen, Hagi Goldenberg, Or Zahavi, David Hoja, Max Grechkin, Ofir Kariaf, Aviel Zargari, Danilo Asperia, Jordan Shua, Stav Nachmani.