Hapoel Haifa 1-1 Teuta Durres – International Club Friendly, 15 July 2026

Israeli side Hapoel Haifa and Albanian visitors Teuta Durres played out an evenly contested 1-1 draw in their pre-season friendly at Sammy Ofer Stadium. The match, staged as part of the International Club Friendly series, gave both coaching staffs valuable insights as they build toward their respective domestic league openers.

Match Overview

The game began at a steady tempo, with both teams focusing on possession and defensive shape. Hapoel Haifa took the lead shortly before the half-hour mark through a well-placed header from a corner. However, Teuta Durres responded with an equalizer midway through the second half after a defensive lapse allowed their striker to slot home from close range. The remainder of the match saw few clear-cut chances, as both sides settled for a share of the spoils.

Key Moments

• 27th minute – Hapoel Haifa goal: A precise corner kick was met by an unmarked defender, who guided the ball into the far corner past the Teuta goalkeeper.
• 68th minute – Teuta equalizer: A loose pass in midfield was intercepted by Teuta, leading to a swift counter-attack. The ball was squared across the box for an easy tap-in.
• Late pressure: Hapoel Haifa pushed for a winner in the final ten minutes, but Teuta’s backline held firm, with their goalkeeper making a sharp save from a long-range effort.

Tactical Observations

Hapoel Haifa dominated possession in the first half, using short passing to build through midfield. Teuta Durres adopted a more compact defensive block, looking to hit on the break. After the equalizer, the visitors grew in confidence, pressing higher and forcing Hapoel into uncharacteristic errors. The draw reflected a balanced contest where neither team could sustain superiority over the full 90 minutes.

Standout Players

Hapoel Haifa’s central defender was a commanding presence at both ends, scoring the opener and making several important clearances. For Teuta Durres, their holding midfielder orchestrated the recovery after the interval, winning tackles and distributing well. The Albanian side’s forward who scored also showed good movement throughout.

Season Context

Both clubs are in the midst of pre-season preparations. Hapoel Haifa will hope to sharpen their finishing ahead of the Israeli Premier League season, while Teuta Durres continue their build-up with positive signs of defensive resilience. This friendly provided a useful test against international opposition, with both managers likely satisfied with minutes given to squad players.