Local soccer: Hapoel edges Maccabi in Tel Aviv derby
Hapoel's coach likely would've lost his job had his team not won.
By ALLON SINAIhapoel tel aviv 224.88(photo credit: )
An 80th minute goal by Fabio Junior gave Hapoel Tel Aviv a precious 1-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv at Bloomfield Stadium on Sunday night.
Hapoel's first victory of the season means the team leapfrogs Maccabi and sends its arch-rival to the bottom of the table.
The 123rd Tel Aviv derby was a dreary affair, but Hapoel coach Guy Luzon won't mind one bit as the win could well have saved his job.
Hapoel got off to one of its worst ever starts to the season under Luzon and the coach would have likely lost his job had his team not won on Sunday.
The match seemed to be heading to a 0-0 stalemate after both teams struggled to create scoring opportunities. Yannick Kamanan came the closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, hitting the right post with his shot 18 minutes into the match. Maccabi was the better side for most of the game, but one good move by Hapoel 10 minutes before the final whistle ensured the hosts left Bloomfield with three points.
Midfielder Baruch Dego crossed an accurate ball for Junior who headed in the winner to the delight of the red fans in the jam-packed stadium.
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