Hap Rish LeZion Defeats Maccabi Herzliya in Liga Leumit Season Opener

RISHON LEZION, Israel (Interstat) — Hap Rish LeZion opened its Liga Leumit campaign with a decisive 3-1 victory over Maccabi Herzliya on Monday at Haberfeld Stadium, defying a pregame projection of a draw and seizing early momentum in the Israeli second division.

The home side wasted no time establishing dominance, finding the net within the first three minutes of the match. Amir Berkovits provided the early breakthrough, capitalizing on a swift attacking move to stun the visiting defense and send the home supporters into an immediate frenzy. The goal set a commanding tone for Hap Rish LeZion, which controlled possession and tempo throughout the first half.

The pressure continued, and the lead was doubled in the 25th minute. Eylon Yerushalmi added his name to the scoresheet, finishing a well-constructed team play to give Hap Rish LeZion a comfortable two-goal cushion before the half-hour mark. Maccabi Herzliya, struggling to find a foothold in the match, saw its deficit grow just before the interval. In the 48th minute, Dor Jan netted Hap Rish LeZion’s third goal, effectively putting the contest out of reach and capping a first-half performance that was as clinical as it was dominant.

Facing a three-goal deficit, Maccabi Herzliya showed renewed resolve after the break. The visitors managed to stabilize defensively and began to create sporadic chances, seeking a consolation goal and a measure of pride. Their persistence was finally rewarded deep into second-half stoppage time. In the third minute of added time, Chance Mondzenga scored for the visitors, denying Hap Rish LeZion a clean sheet but doing little to alter the match’s inevitable outcome.

The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive victory for the hosts, who outperformed statistical expectations. Pre-match analysis by Interstat had projected a final score of 1-1, with its ELO rating system giving Hap Rish LeZion a 61.3 percent probability to win outright. The actual result was a more emphatic statement of intent from the home club.

With the result, Hap Rish LeZion begins its season with a perfect record of one win and zero losses in the Liga Leumit, mirroring its overall record across all competitions. The team will look to carry this positive form into its next fixture. For Maccabi Herzliya, the loss marks a disappointing start, leaving it with a record of zero wins and one loss both in the league and overall. The team faces an early challenge to regroup and find its first points of the campaign.

The match, played on Feb. 2, 2026, served as the season opener for both clubs in Israel’s second-tier professional league. The atmosphere at Haberfeld Stadium reflected the importance of a strong start, and Hap Rish LeZion’s performance ensured the home fans departed satisfied, having witnessed a match defined by early goals and assertive control.