Maccabi Tel Aviv was held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Hapoel Petah Tikva at Bloomfield Stadium in the Israel Premier League on December 16, 2025. The title contenders dropped two points at home after conceding a late equalizer in a match they had led twice. Maccabi took the lead in the first half, but Petah Tikva equalized against the run of play just before the break. The hosts restored their advantage with a well-worked team goal in the second period, only to be pegged back again in the 83rd minute by a defensive lapse. The key controversy involved a disallowed Maccabi goal for a tight offside call, a decision that infuriated the home crowd and players. This draw represents a missed opportunity for Maccabi Tel Aviv to gain ground in the league table, while Petah Tikva will celebrate a valuable point earned through sheer determination. The Maccabi manager criticized his team's game management, and the Petah Tikva coach hailed his players' spirit. Maccabi's lineup featured their star attackers, but they were unable to secure the win.