NAZARETH ILLIT, Israel (Interstat) — Beitar Jerusalem opened its Ligat ha’Al season with a commanding 5-0 victory over Ironi Tiberias at Green Stadium on Wednesday.

Substitute Yarden Shua led the onslaught with a first-half hat trick, scoring in the ninth, 13th and 21st minutes. Dor Hugy added a fourth goal in the 76th minute. The lopsided result defied a pregame projection of a 1-1 draw, though statistical models heavily favored Beitar Jerusalem.

The win gives Beitar Jerusalem a 1-0 record to start the domestic campaign, while Ironi Tiberias begins 0-1. Four yellow cards were issued during the match, all to Beitar Jerusalem players.