With only two games left, Maccabi Petah Tikva gave themselves a chance to avoid relegation yesterday, after beating already-relegated Rishon Letzion 2-1.
Petah Tikva scored twice in the second half and held on to their lead. Moshe Sinai's charges are now only three points behind Hapoel Be'er Sheva, who stumbled to a 3-1 defeat against Hapoel Acre, and four points behind Hapoel Haifa, who needed a win to secure another term in the premier league but could only manage a 1-1 draw with Ironi Ramat Hasharon.
Beitar Jerusalem, not too long ago the most frustrated free-falling club in the league, completed its eighth consecutive win, beating already-relegated Hapoel Petah Tikva 2-0, without really moving above second gear.
Hapoel Tel Aviv took another step toward securing second place and a Europa League place with a 2-0 win over Ashdod. Maharan Lala took advantage of a rare start this season and scored twice to secure the three points. After demolishing Sakhnin 3-1 at Doha Stadium, Bnei Yehuda could still catch up with Hapoel; they have now claimed an impressive 13 out of 15 possible points in the playoffs so far.
Champions Kiryat Shmona appeared to be heading for a loss against Maccabi Netanya, after falling behind in the first half, but responded with three second-half goals to keep their honor intact. For the first time this season, Netanya fans booed coach Reuven Atar, who will coach Maccabi Haifa next season.
