Hapoel Tel Aviv Edge Maccabi 3-2 in Toto Cup Derby Thriller

Hapoel Tel Aviv came out on top in a pulsating Tel Aviv derby, defeating Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-2 in the Israel Ligat Al Toto Cup. A brace from Roi Katz and a late winner from Lior Azulay gave Hapoel a memorable victory after Maccabi had twice fought their way back into the contest through Noam Cohen and Amit Levi.

Played at a lively Bloomfield Stadium, the match delivered the intensity expected from one of Israeli football’s fiercest rivalries. Maccabi controlled long spells of possession, but Hapoel’s sharper transitions and willingness to attack in behind proved decisive in a five-goal classic.

Match overview

The opening exchanges were played at a high tempo, with Maccabi looking to impose themselves through sustained possession and quick combinations in midfield. Hapoel, by contrast, sat in a compact mid-block and looked to spring forward whenever they won the ball back. That approach paid off early, as Hapoel struck first and forced Maccabi to chase the game.

Maccabi responded well and enjoyed the better of the ball for large periods, but Hapoel’s direct running and willingness to shoot from the edge of the area kept the game open. Every time Maccabi seemed to have seized momentum, Hapoel found a response, and the late winner capped a performance full of energy and composure in the final third.

Key moments

• 12th minute – Hapoel take the lead: Roi Katz opened the scoring after a quick turnover in midfield, driving into the box and finishing low past the Maccabi goalkeeper.
• 31st minute – Maccabi level: Noam Cohen restored parity with a well-placed effort after a patient passing move, rewarding Maccabi’s growing control of the ball.
• 44th minute – Katz strikes again: Hapoel regained the advantage just before half-time when Katz reacted quickest to a loose ball and converted from close range.
• 58th minute – Maccabi fight back: Amit Levi made it 2-2 with a composed finish after Maccabi carved open the Hapoel defence down the left flank.
• 83rd minute – Azulay wins it: Lior Azulay grabbed the decisive goal on the counter-attack, finishing calmly after being played through behind the Maccabi back line.
• 90th minute – late pressure: Maccabi pushed numbers forward in stoppage time, but Hapoel’s goalkeeper Yonatan Buzaglo dealt confidently with a series of crosses to protect the win.

Tactical story

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s game plan revolved around dominating the ball and pinning Hapoel back, with their full-backs pushing high to create overloads in wide areas. That strategy produced plenty of territorial control and two well-taken goals, but it also left space behind for Hapoel to exploit.

Hapoel’s midfield worked tirelessly to close central lanes and force Maccabi into wider areas. Once possession was regained, they moved the ball forward quickly, often targeting the channels between Maccabi’s centre-backs and full-backs. The winning goal was a perfect example of that approach: a compact defensive shape, a quick regain, and a direct pass into space.

Maccabi will feel they created enough chances to take something from the game, but Hapoel’s efficiency in front of goal and their discipline without the ball made the difference. The derby was decided by fine margins, and Hapoel consistently came out on the right side of them.

Standout players

Roi Katz was the attacking hero for Hapoel, scoring twice and constantly troubling Maccabi’s defence with his movement. Lior Azulay delivered the decisive moment and grew into the game as space opened up in the second half. Goalkeeper Yonatan Buzaglo also deserves credit for a composed late display under pressure.

For Maccabi, Noam Cohen and Amit Levi were the bright spots, each taking their goal well and linking play effectively in the final third. Their efforts kept Maccabi in the contest until the closing stages, even if the result ultimately slipped away.

What the result means

The win gives Hapoel Tel Aviv a valuable boost in the Israel Ligat Al Toto Cup and adds another memorable chapter to the club’s rivalry with Maccabi. Beyond the standings, the performance will strengthen belief within the squad ahead of the next round of fixtures.

For Maccabi Tel Aviv, the defeat is a frustrating setback but not a fatal one. Their attacking play showed plenty of promise, and the response to going behind twice was encouraging. The challenge now is to tighten up defensively in transition and turn possession into more decisive moments at the other end.