Hapoel Tel Aviv Dominates Hapoel Jerusalem, Advances to Toto Cup Final

Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem at Teddy Stadium, extending their winning streak to four games and earning a spot in the Toto Cup final against Maccabi Tel Aviv. The team displayed an exceptional performance, building significant momentum heading into the championship match.

Coach Eliniv Barda praised the synergy between players Boaten and Daniel Dafah, noting their strong mutual understanding and support. Barda expressed satisfaction with Dafah seizing his opportunity after a long wait. He also provided an update on player Touriel, who felt a "shift" during a play just before halftime, stating it was too early to determine the extent of the injury.

Barda acknowledged a less dominant first half, where the team struggled to control the tempo. However, halftime adjustments and the introduction of Elkokin improved their performance. Looking ahead to the Toto Cup final, Barda emphasized the team's desire to compete for the title and prepare thoroughly.

Regarding player Falcao, Barda explained that the player had been suffering from a virus throughout the week, impacting his training and energy levels, leading to his substitution in the 70th minute. Meanwhile, Hapoel Jerusalem's coach Lior Zada expressed frustration with the team's defensive lapses, particularly conceding "childish and very easy goals." He acknowledged that the 3-0 scoreline did not reflect the game's dynamics for the first 40 minutes, during which his team felt in control. Zada took responsibility for the defensive issues, citing both individual errors and coordination problems, and vowed to address them promptly.

Zada also noted the team's offensive shortcomings due to player absences, forcing sacrifices in defense that ultimately proved ineffective. Player Noam Malamud echoed the disappointment, highlighting a strong start that faltered after conceding the first goal due to defensive lapses and a lack of concentration. He acknowledged Hapoel Tel Aviv's strength and the need for his team to move forward.

Daniel Dafah reflected on the team's collective success and their aspiration to go as far as possible. He shared personal growth from the incident with Touriel, learning to improve his play in future games. Dafah stressed the importance of the Toto Cup final for the club and its fans, vowing to do everything possible to win the title. He also spoke about his brother, Israel, describing him as a dedicated and hardworking individual with the potential to surpass his own achievements.