Hapoel Tel Aviv Wins Toto Cup in Dramatic Derby After 14-Year Wait

Hapoel Tel Aviv secured the Toto Cup title, their first league-level trophy in 14 years, by defeating archrivals Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-2 in a heated derby. The match, held on Thursday, saw Hapoel take a commanding 3-0 lead with goals from Elkokin, Altman (penalty), and Dafa. However, Maccabi mounted a late comeback, with Dor Peretz scoring twice in the final minutes, nearly turning the tide. The game began with a fiery atmosphere, as fans from both sides ignited flares and smoke bombs, causing an initial stoppage. Hapoel opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Elkokin, following good work by Dafa and Owusu. Despite some yellow cards for Hapoel players like Ezekiel and Falcao, they maintained their lead until halftime. In the second half, Hapoel came close to extending their lead when Falcao hit the crossbar. The decisive goals came in the 78th and 83rd minutes, with Altman converting a penalty and Dafa tapping in from close range. Maccabi's late surge began in the 89th minute with Dor Peretz's first goal, followed by his second in the 90th minute. A dramatic near-equalizer in stoppage time, where a clearance deflected off Sokoler and went wide, sealed Hapoel's victory. The win marks a significant achievement for Hapoel Tel Aviv, ending a long trophy drought in top-tier league competitions.