Hapoel Tel Aviv Wins Toto Cup, Declared Title Contender

Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-2 in a dramatic Toto Cup final, a match described as a "lying result" by the author, who argued Hapoel dominated and should have won by a larger margin. Despite Maccabi's late comeback, spearheaded by Dor Peretz's two goals, Hapoel's performance throughout the game was lauded as superior, with the team described as "tormenting" Maccabi.

The victory positions Hapoel Tel Aviv as a legitimate contender for the league championship, a significant turnaround for a club that has struggled in recent years. Coach Eliniv Barda and the management, led by owner Edmund Safra, have been credited with transforming the team's fortunes. The article highlights Barda's faith in striker Daniel Dafa, who repaid the trust with a crucial performance.

In contrast, the article criticizes Maccabi Tel Aviv's current squad, stating it is not strong enough to win the championship and requires significant changes in the January transfer window. Specific weaknesses are identified in goalkeeping, defense, and midfield, with several players singled out for underperformance. Coach Keni Miller is also noted for not fully utilizing his bench players.

Despite these criticisms, Maccabi Tel Aviv still leads the league table and has a favorable schedule ahead. However, Hapoel Tel Aviv, now a title contender, faces a challenging run of fixtures against other top teams. The intense rivalry between the two Tel Aviv clubs was evident, with the author emphasizing the derby's historical significance and anticipating more exciting encounters between them this season.