Hapoel Tel Aviv Edges Past Jerusalem Rivals to Set Stage for Derby Final

Hapoel Tel Aviv supporters will head to Bloomfield Stadium on Thursday with momentum from a decisive win over their city rivals. The visitors defeated Hapoel Jerusalem 3-0 on Wednesday at Teddy Stadium, a result that positions them for a decisive contest against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Toto Cup final.

More than 7,000 Hapoel Tel Aviv fans traveled to the host city for the match. The team struggled to create chances in the first 45 minutes but found clarity after the break. Manager Elyaniv Barda’s squad now sits near the top of the league table, grouped with Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Beersheba, and Maccabi Haifa.

The goals showcased precision rather than luck. Daniel Dappa opened the scoring late in the first half with a powerful shot. In the second half, Omri Altman converted a move that featured a backheel from Yannick Leliendal. Leliendal created the third goal as well, delivering a cross that Roie Alkukin finished into the net.

The upcoming final pits the two Tel Aviv clubs against each other. Barda emphasized the club's goal of competing for trophies. He noted that the team reached the final last season but failed to win, and he wants to change that outcome this year. The manager stated that consistent presence in finals is necessary for long-term success.

Altman said the players focused solely on the league match until the final whistle. He expects the derby conversation to begin in earnest on Sunday. He pointed to last season’s results, where the teams split points, as evidence that his side can compete with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Both managers acknowledged the 4-1 loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv earlier this season. They attributed that result largely to a red card received by Hapoel Tel Aviv in the 35th minute. Barda noted that the team has won four consecutive matches since that defeat and expects to perform better this time.

The final is scheduled for Thursday at Bloomfield Stadium. Organizers expect 12,500 supporters from each club to fill the venue, splitting the stands between the two fan bases. Altman described the derby as one of the most intense games in Europe and called it a dream moment for any player.