Full Breakdown
Maccabi Tel Aviv Advances to Israel State Cup Final
4/17/2026, 1:37:18 AM
Match Overview: Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Maccabi Haifa
Maccabi Tel Aviv secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Maccabi Haifa in the semifinals of the Israel State Cup, held at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem. This match, part of the storied Israeli Classico rivalry, was marked by a limited attendance of approximately 5,000 fans due to restrictions imposed by the Home Front Command, a stark contrast to the typical turnout of around 30,000 supporters.
The match began with Maccabi Tel Aviv taking an early lead in the 15th minute through a goal from Dor Peretz, following a well-coordinated team effort. However, Maccabi Haifa quickly equalized just three minutes later with a goal from Eitan Azulay, keeping the first half competitive at 1-1.
Key Moments and Tactical Changes
The second half saw Maccabi Tel Aviv's head coach Ronny Deila make a pivotal triple substitution in the 56th minute, which proved to be a game-changer. Tyrese Asante scored from a corner kick shortly after the substitutions, putting Maccabi ahead 2-1. Despite a missed penalty by Ido Shahar, who shot over the bar, Maccabi extended their lead to 3-1 with a goal from Roy Revivo in the 76th minute.
Haifa managed to pull one back late in the match through Silva Kani, but it was not enough to alter the outcome. Maccabi Tel Aviv's defense held firm, allowing them to celebrate their advancement to the final against Hapoel Beersheba, scheduled for May 26.
Attendance and Atmosphere
The match's atmosphere was notably subdued due to the reduced fan attendance. With only a fraction of the usual crowd, local businesses around the stadium experienced a significant drop in activity. The limited number of supporters, however, still provided vocal support for their teams, contributing to the match's intensity.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the match, Maccabi Tel Aviv's management expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and the tactical decisions made by Deila. The coach's substitutions were highlighted as crucial to the team's success, showcasing the depth and adaptability of the squad.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, some analysts criticized Haifa's coach Barak Bachar for not responding effectively to Maccabi's substitutions, which allowed the yellow-and-blue to dominate the second half. The missed penalty by Shahar also drew scrutiny, as it could have further solidified Maccabi's lead.
What's Next
Maccabi Tel Aviv will face Hapoel Beersheba in the State Cup final, aiming to secure the coveted trophy and redeem their earlier league defeat to the same team. The upcoming match is highly anticipated, promising to be another chapter in the fierce rivalry between these clubs.
