TEL AVIV, Israel (Interstat) — Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Ironi Kir Shmona 3-1 on Monday in a Ligat ha’Al match at Bloomfield Stadium. The home side took control early with a goal from Dor Peretz in the 18th minute. Substitute Ariel Shirdatzki, who also recorded an assist, doubled the lead with a goal just before halftime. Ido Shahar scored a late consolation goal for the visitors in stoppage time. The result defied a pregame projection from Interstat that gave Maccabi Tel Aviv a 97.6% chance to win but predicted a narrower 1-0 victory. Both teams opened their league campaigns with this match.