Hapoel Tel Aviv won the Toto Cup with a 3-2 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv at Bloomfield Stadium, securing its first top-flight trophy since lifting the Israel State Cup in 2011/12. The derby result marked another step in the Reds’ recovery after a period that included two relegations over the past decade.
Goals from Roie Alkukin, Omri Altman and Daniel Dappa put Elyaniv Barda’s side 3-0 ahead. Maccabi then threatened a comeback as Dor Peretz scored twice, while a near miss from Ester Sokler added to Hapoel’s tense finish. The Reds protected their remaining advantage to secure the trophy.
The victory also provided a response to Hapoel’s 4-1 defeat by Maccabi earlier in the season. Although the Toto Cup carries less prestige than the league title or State Cup, the rivalry gave the final considerable significance for both clubs and their supporters. Dappa was among Hapoel’s standout performers as the team established its lead.
Hapoel was still playing in the second division less than two years ago. Its return to the top flight last season brought a first derby win over Maccabi in more than a decade, along with a league placing that secured European competition. The latest success adds a trophy to those signs of progress.
Under Barda, Hapoel has built a squad combining young Israeli players, experienced veterans and foreign recruits. Support from the Safra family ownership and CEO Guy Primor has provided stability behind the scenes as the club has rebuilt its standing on the field.
Altman, 32, has played an important part in that process during his third spell with Hapoel. The attacking midfielder has recovered his form and become a prominent dressing-room voice. Fernand Mayembo remains the captain, but Altman’s experience and his standing with teammates have made him another influential leader.
His career began in Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth system and included two seasons training with Fulham in England. He also played in Greece and Portugal before his latest return to Hapoel. Altman credited Barda’s approach for much of his current success, saying: “He is perhaps the best coach I’ve ever worked with.” He also praised the coach’s attention to detail and demanding approach.
Hapoel has little time to dwell on the cup celebrations before returning to league action. Its next assignment is Monday night’s match against Maccabi Haifa at Bloomfield, where Barda’s team will resume its league campaign after adding silverware to its recent achievements.
