Full Breakdown
Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv Book Toto Cup Final Appearances
8/18/2026, 6:05:59 AM
Maccabi Tel Aviv Secures Toto Cup Final Spot
Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Maccabi Netanya 1-0 to clinch a place in the Toto Cup final, where they will meet city rivals Hapoel Tel Aviv. The decisive goal came from Helio Varela after a coordinated team passing sequence that involved Dor Peretz and Sayed Abu Farhi. The win was described by head coach Kenny Miller as a strong first-half performance followed by disciplined defending in the second half.
Hapoel Tel Aviv Wins Dramatic Semi-Final
In a separate semi-final, Hapoel Tel Aviv overcame Ironi Kiryat Shmona 2-1 after extra time. Daniel Dappa scored twice, first in the 97th minute and again two minutes later, to reverse a late-game deficit. Hapoel coach Elyaniv Barda highlighted the team’s improved precision in the second half, while Kiryat Shmona’s Shay Barda noted his side’s early control of the match and praised their defensive effort despite the loss.
Coaches’ Reactions
Roni Levy, Maccabi Netanya’s head coach, called the defeat “very disappointing” but remained optimistic about the upcoming league season and the club’s connection with its fans. Elyaniv Barda reflected that Hapoel “liked the drama” of the comeback, and Shay Barda said his players controlled the game early and deserved credit for their defensive performance.
Match Details and Key Performances
Helio Varela’s first-half strike was the only goal of the Maccabi Tel Aviv-Netanya match. Netanya’s attempts—including a cross from Matheus Davo and a header from Maor Levi—failed to find the net. In the Hapoel-Shmona game, Ofir Benbenisti received two yellow cards and a red, leaving his side with ten men, while Hapoel’s second red card went to Elyaniv Barda later in the match.
Implications for the Upcoming Season
Both finalists view the Toto Cup success as momentum heading into the league campaign. Maccabi Tel Aviv players, including Sayed Abu Farhi, expressed ambition to qualify for European competition, targeting the Europa Conference League. Hapoel Tel Aviv’s dramatic victory reinforces confidence in the squad’s resilience as they prepare for the season ahead.
