Tel Aviv title hopes hit

Hapoel Tel Aviv’s hopes of a 14th Israel Premier League title were dealt a blow after a surprise 3-0 defeat by Hapoel Haifa.

Tel Aviv, who last won the title in 2010, came into the match in third place – eight points off top spot.

But they fell behind in Haifa after 19 minutes when Eran Levy crossed for Ran Abukarat to score his first goal in nearly two years.

Ten minutes later and Tel Aviv went close to equalising but Mor Shushan’s header was tipped onto the bar by Dreshler Kale.

Another headed chance, this time from Toto Tamuz also went begging and just before the interval they were punished.

Struggling Haifa doubled their advantage after Walid Badir brought down Abukarat.

The veteran was sent off for the tackle and Levy stepped up to give his side a two-goal cushion before the break.

Despite being two goals down Tel Aviv continued to apply the pressure and Tamuz was again guilty of missing another header.

The visitors continued to create chances and were unlucky to be denied a way back into the match when Ahad Azam appeared to use his hand to clear Nosa Igiebor’s shot.

With 13 minutes remaining Tel Aviv continued to attack but a combination of poor shooting and inspired goalkeeping from Kale kept them out.

And just three minutes later they were punished as a swift counter attack was finished off by Stefan Denkovic to complete the victory.

Their fifth win of the season lifts Haifa to 13th place.