The right-wing team from Jerusalem, Beitar Jerusalem, secured a 1-0 victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv, but the final whistle only marked the beginning of the night’s most revealing scenes.
Inside the locker room, the music went up, the circle closed, and the celebration unfolded with confidence rather than relief. This was not a team releasing pressure. It was a team enjoying control, rhythm, and a shared sense of direction.
From the very first moments, it was clear who set the tone. Beitar Jerusalem followed the quiet authority of Yarden Shua, whose influence extended far beyond the decisive moments on the pitch.
Why has Yarden Shua become Beitar Jerusalem’s true leader?
Shua’s impact was visible throughout the match. A handful of intelligent touches, rare vision between the lines, and the calm finish from close range that decided the game all pointed to a player operating with clarity and confidence.
The deeper shift, however, is mental. Shua looks composed, measured, and fully aware of his responsibility. Even in the post-match interview, when asked the familiar question about a title race, he brushed it aside with a knowing smile. Focus first. Noise later.
Beitar Jerusalem has always been shaped by dominant figures, players who influenced not only results but atmosphere. Shua may not yet be judged by championships, but his presence increasingly feels like a continuation of that tradition.
He arrived at the match after recovering from pneumonia, a detail that adds weight to his performance. Playing through physical difficulty is one thing. Leading through it is another. Beitar Jerusalem looked sharper because he insisted on being there.
Is Miguel Silva currently the best goalkeeper in the Israeli Premier League?
Another figure has quietly elevated Beitar Jerusalem’s recent run: goalkeeper Miguel Silva. Despite suffering an injury in the win over Hapoel Tel Aviv, he is determined to play in the upcoming fixture, even as medical staff continue to assess the risk.
Silva commands his area with authority, reacts sharply, and gives the defensive line a sense of security. His presence allows defenders to step higher, challenge more aggressively, and trust what happens behind them.
In a league often decided by single moments, Beitar Jerusalem now looks like a team protected by one of the most influential goalkeepers in the competition.
מגיע להם לחגוג 🕺🏽 pic.twitter.com/EvsedGf0MC
— Beitar Jerusalem FC (@fcbeitar) January 1, 2026
