Hapoel Petah Tikva vs Spartak Pleven

Mazal's sixth-minute opener was decisive. It forced Spartak to chase the game from the first minute, disrupting their defensive structure and allowing Hapoel to manage the match on the counter. Aviv's 62nd-minute strike removed any chance of a Spartak fightback.

Shavit Mazal (Hapoel Petah Tikva) — Scored the crucial early goal that set the tone. The 24-year-old striker, who joined Hapoel in 2025, used his pace to get in behind the Spartak defence inside the opening six minutes.

G. D. Aviv (Hapoel Petah Tikva) — Sealed the win with a well-taken 62nd-minute goal. Aviv's finish gave Hapoel the two-goal cushion that Spartak could not breach.

Hapoel Petah Tikva defence — Kept a clean sheet in a match where no cards were required. The backline maintained organisation throughout, limiting Spartak to few clear sights of goal.

Player of the Match: Shavit Mazal

The 2-0 scoreline reflects Hapoel's control across the 90 minutes. The sixth-minute goal gave them a platform to manage the game without urgency. The 62nd-minute second goal arrived after a period of sustained pressure. No cards were shown, underlining the friendly nature of the contest — both sides used the fixture primarily for fitness and tactical work. Neither goal carried an assist, suggesting individual efforts rather than constructed team moves.

For Hapoel Petah Tikva, this was their second pre-season friendly of the 2026/27 summer campaign. They drew 0-0 with Hapoel Rishon Lezion on 9 July 2026. The Israeli Premier League side are conducting a training camp in Bulgaria, using the trip to build fitness and test combinations against local opposition. Their next pre-season fixture is not yet publicly confirmed.

For Spartak Pleven, the defeat continues a difficult pre-season. The Bulgarian Second League side have won only one of six friendlies this summer (2-0 vs Yantra 2019 on 7 July), with losses to Botev Plovdiv (0-4 on 23 June), Botev Vratsa (1-2), Cherno More Varna (0-1), Lokomotiv Gorna Oryahovitsa (1-2 on 11 July), and now Hapoel Petah Tikva (0-2). The Vtora Liga season is expected to begin in late July or early August 2026, and Spartak need to improve their defensive organisation after conceding in five of their six pre-season matches.

A straightforward pre-season win for Hapoel Petah Tikva, who were sharper from the start and never looked troubled. Mazal's early goal was the difference — Spartak Pleven showed resilience in parts but lacked the cutting edge to mount a comeback. The Israeli side look further along in their preparation; Spartak have work to do before the competitive season begins.