Maccabi Netanya U19 5-1 Hapoel Petah Tikva Nahum Stelmah U19 – Israel Youth League

Maccabi Netanya U19 delivered a resounding 5-1 victory over Hapoel Petah Tikva Nahum Stelmah U19 in the Israel Youth League on May 21, 2026. The home side put on an attacking masterclass at the Netanya Stadium, leaving their opponents shell-shocked by a relentless first-half performance.

Match Overview

From the first minute, Maccabi Netanya’s intensity was overwhelming. They won the ball high up the pitch and converted chance after chance, racing to a 4-0 lead by half-time. Hapoel Petah Tikva managed a consolation goal after the break, but Netanya restored their four-goal cushion shortly after to complete a comprehensive win. The result strengthens Netanya’s position near the top of the Israel Youth League standings.

Key Moments

• 8th minute: Maccabi Netanya opened the scoring via a close-range finish from striker Eran Ben Haim.
• 23rd minute: Winger Tomer Oz doubled the lead with a deflected shot from outside the area.
• 34th minute: A swift counter-attack ended with midfielder Noam Dadon slotting home the third.
• 41st minute: Ben Haim scored his second of the match, a header from a corner, making it 4-0.
• 59th minute: Hapoel Petah Tikva pulled one back through substitute Yossi Cohen, who pounced on a defensive mistake.
• 73rd minute: Maccabi Netanya restored the margin with a powerful strike from defender Amit Raz, sealing the 5-1 final score.

Tactical Story

Maccabi Netanya deployed an aggressive 4-2-3-1 formation with emphasis on high pressing and quick vertical passes. Their full-backs pushed high, creating overloads in wide areas. Hapoel Petah Tikva, trying to play out from the back, were repeatedly caught in possession and turned over. The visitors’ 4-3-3 could not cope with Netanya’s intensity, and their midfield was bypassed time and again.

Standouts

• Eran Ben Haim (FW, Maccabi Netanya): Two goals and an assist, a constant menace inside the box.
• Tomer Oz (MF, Maccabi Netanya): Scored one and created numerous chances with his dribbling and passing.
• Yossi Cohen (FW, Hapoel Petah Tikva): The lone bright spot for his team, scoring a fine goal off the bench.

League Context

This victory keeps Maccabi Netanya U19 in the title race, now level on points with the league leaders. Their goal difference received a major boost. For Hapoel Petah Tikva, the heavy defeat is a setback as they look to climb away from the relegation zone. The Israel Youth League remains highly competitive, and performances like this highlight the quality in Netanya’s youth setup.