On Saturday, January 17, 2026, Beitar Jerusalem secured a dramatic 3‑1 overtime victory against Hapoel Petah Tikva at Petah Tikva Stadium, propelling the team to the top of the Israeli Premier League with 33 points after 15 rounds. The win, fueled by two late goals from Dor Hugi in extra time, shifted the league standings and energized the club’s title push.
Match Overview
First Half and Regular Time
Both sides entered the match with strong line‑ups, creating an intense atmosphere in the western stand. Beitar opened the scoring in the 49th minute when goalkeeper‑forward Shua capitalized on a left‑flank opportunity. Hapoel Petah Tikva equalized 14 minutes later, with Amian finding the net in the 63rd minute, sending the home crowd into a roar.
Extra Time Surge
Regulation time ended 1‑1, leading to extra time. Substitute striker Dor Hugi made a decisive impact, netting the second goal in the 90+3 minute and sealing the victory with a third goal in the 90+7 minute. His rapid strikes clinched a 3‑1 win for Beitar.
Impact on the League Table
The triumph lifted Beitar Jerusalem to first place with 33 points, three points ahead of Ramat HaSharon in second. This surge is significant after a slow offensive start to the season. Meanwhile, Hapoel Petah Tikva slipped to seventh with 22 points, now 11 points away from the promotion spots.
Fan Atmosphere and Attendance
Approximately 10,000 spectators filled the stadium, predominantly supporting the home side. The crowd remained vocal until the final whistle, but Beitar fans erupted in celebration when Hugi scored the decisive extra‑time goals, underscoring the dramatic nature of the encounter.
Future Outlook
Beitar’s ascent to the summit raises questions about its consistency for the rest of the campaign. The team will next face Maccabi Netanya and Bnei Sakhnin, aiming to maintain precise timing and tactical discipline. Hapoel Petah Tikva must reinforce its defense and generate sustained pressure to re‑enter the promotion race.
