Hapoel seize the initiative

Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC won 1-0 at Maccabi Haifa FC to go top of the Ligat Ha'Al for the first time this season. Maaran Lala's 59th-minute goal earned Hapoel a victory over the previous leaders that gives them the ascendancy on goal difference. Eli Guttman's side are also in the State Cup semi-finals and with three league fixtures remaining are now on course for a domestic double. "If we start thinking we've won the title we'll get nothing," said Guttman.