Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv meet in a match in the 3rd round of the playoffs in Ligat ha’Al, Israel. The match will be played on Monday, at 18:45, on Teddy Stadium, without spectators.
Maccabi seems to be heading for the second consecutive title and the 5th in the last eight seasons. The team prepared by Vladimir Ivic comes after five victories in a row in the championship, being without failure in the 28 stages played so far (21 victories and 7 draws). In the first two stages of the playoffs, Maccabi defeated Hapoel Haifa and Maccabi Haifa with the same score (2-0), both matches being played in Tel Aviv.
Beitar occupies the last step of the podium, being 20 points behind the leader. They did not start the playoffs very well, getting only one point in the first two stages. The balance on their own field is not to be praised either, the team from Jerusalem having 7 victories, 3 draws and 4 defeats in the matches played at home.
One of the main reasons for the considerable advance from the second position (12 points) is the defense. Maccabi has received only 7 goals in the 28 stages played so far, with 52 goals scored (the second attack in Israel). The guests will dominate this duel and, most likely, they will leave Teddy Stadium with at least one point.
-Maccabi has only one defeat in the last seven visits to Beitar (five victories);
-In the two direct duels this season, the Tel Aviv band did not concede a goal;
-In six of the last seven direct disputes both teams have not scored;
