The fight for entry to the top playoffs

The 24th round of the Premier League opened today (Saturday) with several interesting results between the teams fighting for the ticket to the top playoffs. Bnei Sakhnin drew 1:1 with Ashdod, Bnei Rayna lost to Hapoel Jerusalem, which came close to the top six, and Maccabi Netanya lost to Hapoel Haifa in what almost completely eliminated their chances.

Despite Benny Raina’s loss, Sharon Mimar’s team is still in the top six, with Benny Sakhnin’s point against Ashdod bringing Slobodan Drapich a little closer to a place in the top six. Maccabi Petah Tikva, which is currently behind against Maccabi Tel Aviv, is breathing heavily, while Hapoel Jerusalem has also come close and is strongly in the picture.

On the other hand, Maccabi Netanya, who was very far from the fight, suffered another loss, its sixth in the last seven games, this time to Hapoel Haifa. The Diamonds will likely play in the lower playoffs, unless something unusual and unexpected happens.

Hapoel Jerusalem players celebrate with Yala Doin (Oren Ben Hakon)

Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv, who will play later this week, must win to stay in the picture, with any result except for three points in the upcoming round, significantly distancing them from the rest of the fight.

The table:

5. Bnei Sakhnin – 32 points
6. Benny Rayna – 30 points
7. Maccabi Petah Tikva – 29 points
8. Hapoel Jerusalem – 27 points
9. Maccabi Netanya – 25 points
10. Beitar Jerusalem – 23 points (missing game)
11. Hapoel Tel Aviv – 23 points (missing game)

Adi Yona with the ball (Oren Ben Hakon)

The remaining games:

Bnei Sakhnin: Hapoel Hadera (away), Maccabi Bnei Raina (home)
Maccabi Bnei Rayna: Maccabi Haifa (home), Bnei Sakhnin (away)
Maccabi Petah Tikva: Hapoel Petah Tikva (away), Beitar Jerusalem (home)
Maccabi Netanya: MS Ashdod (away), Hapoel Hadera (home)
Hapoel Jerusalem: Hapoel Tel Aviv (away), Hapoel Tel Aviv (home)
Beitar Jerusalem: Hapoel BS (away), Maccabi Tel Aviv (home), Maccabi Petah (away)
Hapoel Tel Aviv: Hapoel Petah Tikva (away), Hapoel Jerusalem (home), Maccabi Haifa (away)