Beitar Jerusalem edged Hapoel Petach Tikva 1-0 thanks to Yarden Shua’s first-half penalty, collecting all three points and keeping pace with the clubs at the top of the table.

Almog Cohen reflected on the victory, saying, “We were able to keep Petach Tikva at bay, with no real quality chances on goal. We want to win, and the teams that do are the ones that play well defensively. We played at a good pace and showed character to take this win. In the second half, they played very aggressively, and we had enough opportunities to make it 2-0, but we didn’t take them. We didn’t start the season well, but we are now coming together as a team, and we know what we can do.”

Hapoel Petach Tikva coach Omer Peretz was encouraged by his team’s performance despite the defeat, “We played well, and things were going in the right direction aside from the penalty. Overall, it was a good game, and hopefully we can carry that into the next one as well. We are still trying to come together, and things look like they’re moving in the right direction.”

Shua, who scored the decisive goal, was pleased to help his team secure the victory, “It’s great to win a game like this. We struggled toward the end, but it’s great to go home with all three points. We expected to dominate more, but you never know what’s going to happen in a game. We kept a clean sheet and won. Maybe I didn’t start the year as well as I could have, but that’s behind me now. The team is on a good run and winning, and that’s the most important thing. I’m happy to be involved and contribute whatever I can.”

Beitar Jerusalem took control from the opening whistle, with Shon Weissman creating a prime opportunity inside the first two minutes. However, Hapoel Petach Tikva goalkeeper Omer Katz was equal to the task.

The visitors continued to press and cause problems in the penalty area. In the 10th minute, Omer Atzily was brought down by Or Israelov, earning Beitar a penalty. Captain Yarden Shua stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give the yellow-and-black a 1-0 lead.

Beitar continued to push for a second goal, but Tomer Yosefi’s sharp-angled effort struck the post, while Weissman headed wide. At the other end, Petach Tikva had two opportunities ruled offside, and Karim Kimvuidi’s attempt was smothered by Beitar goalkeeper Miguel Silva as the first half ended with Beitar holding a one-goal advantage.

Petach Tikva carried its momentum into the second half, with Cle sending an opportunity over the crossbar. At the other end, Luka Gadrani’s header missed the target. Shua then tested Katz with a shot from the left side, but the goalkeeper made a smart save. Petach Tikva responded when Roie Levi broke through on the left and beat Silva, only for his effort to strike a Beitar defender rather than find the back of the net.

Beitar looked to extend its lead as Boris Enow unleashed a powerful shot that was parried away by Katz. Atzily’s low effort was gathered by the goalkeeper, while Adi Yona’s long-range attempt sailed over the crossbar. Ori Azo also came close, but his powerful strike went wide of the right post.

Both teams made several substitutions in an effort to change the tempo and freshen up their lineups. Beitar appeared to have added an insurance goal late in the match, but VAR ruled the effort offside. The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 victory for Beitar Jerusalem, with Shua’s early penalty proving decisive as the yellow-and-black secured all three points and continued their push near the top of the table.