Hapoel Be’er Sheva remain on course to win the Ligat Ha’Al title for the first time in 40 years following a 1-1 draw against nearest rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Carlos Garcia headed Maccabi in front but Ovidiu Hoban equalised 14 minutes later as Hapoel maintained their one-point advantage.

Hapoel manager Barak Bachar said: “The main thing is we’re still top and our fate is in our own hands and that gives us a huge boost."

Both Beer Sheva and Maccabi have eight games remaining, with the return match in Tel Aviv on April 30.

Maccabi had the better of things on Sunday night and the betting is on the Tel Aviv club winning a fourth consecutive title.