Vladimir Ivic, the Maccabi Tel Aviv Head Coach summed up his side’s 2:1 State Cup win over Beitar Jerusalem as they advanced to the Round of 16 thanks to Yonatan Cohen’s late winner:

“Yes it was very sweet win as we won in the last second of the game and it’s important for the team’s psychology. We didn’t start well and how we wanted too. Perhaps the reason is that the pitch wasn’t in a good condition. We tried to play and create but it was difficult. We have our target for the competition and we passed the strongest opponent in this stage.”

About Yonatan Cohen:
“Yonatan Cohen didn’t just do a good job today, but he gives his best every time he plays. I am very happy for him and he is doing well and continues to improve. I am very happy.”

Winning mentality:
“It is important to have a winning mentality and my players went straight to the center circle to play right after the Beitar goal and wanted to win in the 90 minutes. We were lucky to score when we did but we have a strong game and opponent on Tuesday.”

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s match against Hapoel Beer Sheva:
“It’s a game like every game in the championship; we play for 3 points like every league game.”