Hapoel Rishon Lezion edged Sport Club Dimona 3-2 in a thrilling Israel Cup tie on 26 October 2026, advancing to the next round after a five-goal contest that kept both sets of supporters on edge until the final whistle.

Sport Club Dimona, playing at home, made the brighter start and used the energy of the cup occasion to press high and force early mistakes. Hapoel Rishon Lezion, however, grew into the game and showed the greater composure in the final third, ultimately finding the decisive goal late in the second half to settle a pulsating encounter.

Match overview

The Israel Cup has long been a competition where lower-ranked sides raise their level, and Sport Club Dimona produced exactly the kind of committed, front-foot performance the tournament is known for. They defended in numbers when needed but also broke forward with purpose, particularly down the flanks, and were rewarded with two goals that kept them within touching distance throughout.

Hapoel Rishon Lezion controlled long spells of possession and looked the more polished side in build-up play. Their midfield rotation created openings between Dimona’s defensive lines, and their willingness to shoot from distance forced the home goalkeeper into several important saves. The visitors’ superior squad depth also proved telling as the game wore on and spaces began to appear.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Hapoel Rishon Lezion took the lead after a neat exchange on the edge of the box ended with a low finish into the bottom corner.
• 34th minute: Sport Club Dimona responded well, equalising from a set piece when a whipped delivery was met at the near post and flicked beyond the goalkeeper.
• 58th minute: Rishon Lezion restored their advantage after a quick counterattack, with the forward cutting inside and curling a shot into the far side of the net.
• 76th minute: Dimona refused to lie down and made it 2-2, capitalising on a loose ball in the box and converting from close range amid loud home celebrations.
• 89th minute: The decisive moment arrived when Rishon Lezion worked the ball wide and delivered a cross that was turned in at the back post for a late 3-2 lead.

Tactical story

Sport Club Dimona set up with a compact 4-4-2, looking to deny central space and force Hapoel Rishon Lezion wide. Their plan was built on quick transitions and set pieces, and it worked for long periods. Dimona’s midfield worked tirelessly to close down passing lanes, while their front two looked to hold up play and bring runners into the game. The home side’s equalisers both came from moments of pressure and alertness inside the penalty area.

Hapoel Rishon Lezion favoured a 4-3-3 with high full-backs and a midfield trio comfortable in possession. Their best attacking patterns came from switching play quickly and isolating Dimona’s full-backs in one-on-one situations. The introduction of fresh attacking legs in the second half added urgency, and the winning goal was a direct result of stretching the home defence to its limit before delivering into the danger zone.

Standout players

Hapoel Rishon Lezion’s attacking forward was the game’s most influential figure, involved in the build-up to the opening goal and scoring the second with a composed finish. His movement between the lines repeatedly caused problems for Dimona’s back four, and he was a constant outlet when his side needed to relieve pressure.

Sport Club Dimona’s goalkeeper kept the tie alive with a string of saves, particularly in the first half, and could do little about the three goals conceded. Dimona’s captain also led by example in midfield, driving forward when possible and delivering the set-piece that led to the equaliser. For Rishon Lezion, the substitute who provided the late assist underlined the value of squad depth in cup football.

Cup impact

The victory sends Hapoel Rishon Lezion into the next round of the Israel Cup, where they will hope to carry the momentum of a hard-earned away win. The performance highlighted both their attacking quality and their ability to respond under pressure, qualities that will be tested against stronger opposition in later rounds.

For Sport Club Dimona, elimination will sting, but the manner of the performance offered plenty of encouragement. They matched a more experienced opponent for long spells, scored twice, and pushed the tie to the closing minutes. In a competition famous for upsets and drama, Dimona’s display added another memorable chapter, even if Hapoel Rishon Lezion ultimately had the final word.

Match facts

• Result: Sport Club Dimona 2-3 Hapoel Rishon Lezion
• Competition: Israel Cup
• Date: 26 October 2026