Hapoel Tel Aviv Wins Toto Cup in Dramatic Derby Against Maccabi
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-2 in a dramatic derby to win the Toto Cup, their first major title in 14 years. The match at Bloomfield Stadium was delayed by fan pyrotechnics and a fire. Hapoel led 3-0 before Maccabi scored twice late, but Hapoel held on. The victory earns Hapoel 900,000 shekels.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-2 to win the Toto Cup.
- The win is Hapoel's first major title in 14 years and ends a 43-year derby final drought.
- The match was delayed by fan pyrotechnics and a fire in the stands.
- Hapoel led 3-0 before Maccabi scored two late goals.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv receives 900,000 shekels, Maccabi Tel Aviv receives 650,000 shekels.
Hapoel Tel Aviv secured the Toto Cup for the 2026 season after a thrilling 3-2 victory over fierce rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv at Bloomfield Stadium. This marks Hapoel's first major league title in 14 years and their first under owner Edmond Safra. The win also ends a 43-year drought for Hapoel in a derby final.
The match was preceded by intense fan displays. Hapoel fans unfurled a banner quoting Gidi Gov's song, "Clouds of war are approaching with the sound of terror and thunder." Maccabi fans responded with a banner reading "Clouds of leaks," followed by "Maccabi is approaching with the sound of terror and thunder," and a final counter-banner stating, "There is no more day. There is still a counter."
Shortly after the kickoff, referee Shnir Levi halted the game for nine minutes due to heavy pyrotechnics and thick smoke. The situation escalated when a fire broke out in Hapoel's "Gate 5" stand, requiring firefighters to intervene. Play resumed, and Hapoel took a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute through Elkokin. Omri Altman doubled the lead from a penalty in the 72nd minute, and Dapa made it 3-0 in the 83rd minute.
However, Maccabi Tel Aviv mounted a late comeback with two quick goals from Dor Peretz in the 89th and 90+1 minutes, igniting Bloomfield Stadium. Despite a late surge from Maccabi and a near-goal on the line, Hapoel held on for the victory.
The win comes with a prize of 900,000 shekels for Hapoel Tel Aviv, while runner-up Maccabi Tel Aviv receives 650,000 shekels.
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