Beitar still better by far

Sunday's 1-1 draw against Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC has done little to slow Beitar Jerusalem FC's Israeli title charge, where they continue to dwarf their rivals.

Huge lead
The home tie was a rare off day for Itzhak Shum's side, who have been the dominant force in Israeli football over the past two campaigns. Having won their first league title since 1997/98 last season, Beitar started this season in top spot and now hold a 16-point lead over second-placed Maccabi Netanya FC, with Russian-born owner Arkady Gaydamak bankrolling them to glory.

Double chance
In his first season in charge, Shum has led his side to 18 league wins, seven draws and just one defeat, and a total of 61 points from a possible 78. With traditional giants Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC and Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC having poor seasons, they have faced little in terms of meaningful competition. They are in line for a double, facing Hapoel Kfar-Saba FC in the Israel Cup quarter-finals.

Foreign talent
Gaydamak's money certainly talks in Israel, with his investment in Beitar's training facilities and youth development paying dividends – tellingly, 13 members of the club's 24-man squad are internationals at Under-21 or senior level. However, foreign talent has been just as effective on the field, with Brazilian striker Rômulo, Ghanaian midfielder Derek Boateng and Croatian goalkeeper Tvrtko Kale making an impact.

Modest approach
Midfield remains their strongest rank, with Boateng Idan Tal, Aviram Baruchyan and Gal Alberman providing a cohesive unit. "The way we have dealt with pressure all season is by focusing on the next match," said Alberman. "This prevents you losing sharpness and allows us to maintain a positive momentum which we can hopefully keep till the end of the season."

European angle
Next year the aim will be to progress further in the UEFA Champions League, having fallen at the first hurdle against FC København in this season's second qualifying round. The money he has spent on the club may be petty cash to billionaire Gaydamak, but having already become something of a local hero in football-mad Jerusalem, his investment may yet pay off in the group stage.