Ashdod — Hapoel Rishon LeZion: 3:2, Liga Leumit

Ashdod and Rishon Le Zion met in the sixth round of the Liga Leumit on Thursday, 17 September 2026, and the hosts edged a seven-goal encounter 3:2. The result keeps both sides in the top two, with Rishon Le Zion remaining second on 13 points and Ashdod fourth on 12 after five games each.

E. Henty opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 29th minute, and E. Mamatah levelled six minutes later. By then the pattern was clear enough — two goals each side by half-time, and plenty of room for drama. Ashdod took the lead again when R. Peretz struck in the 78th minute, though Rishon Le Zion responded almost immediately through an unnamed scorer in the 85th.

We had called for a home win at 95 per cent confidence, and it was the late minutes that proved the point. The match stayed open, both sides refusing to sit back, and the decisive moment came in the 90th minute plus three when Ashdod clawed their way back into the lead. The crowd roared them on through the final whistle.

And here's the thing about the numbers — Ashdod registered 113 attacks to 103, but both sides landed seven shots off target. The visitors managed seven corners to four, yet it was the hosts who converted more of their opportunities. Possession sat at 54 per cent for Ashdod, and neither side showed a red card.

The result means Rishon Le Zion keep their place at the top of the table, one point clear of Ashdod. Both teams remain unbeaten, though the hosts have taken a hit while the visitors have not lost in five games. The old head settled them down when it mattered most.