Maccabi Tel Aviv will face Hapoel Petah Tikva for their final match of the 2025/26 WINNER League season before the State Cup final. Following the midweek 2-4 defeat away to Hapoel Be’ersheva, Maccabi wish to return to winning ways and build confidence ahead of the major challenge awaiting them on Tuesday at Teddy stadium. Midfielder Ido Shahar spoke today about the mood in the dressing room and the desire to finish the season on a high note.
On the disappointing defeat at Be’ersheva that resulted with the hosts celebrating winning the league title, Shahar: “Of course it wasn’t pleasant to lose in Be’ersheva, those are not good feelings. Be’ersheva are our rivals and they will also be our opponent in the final, but that defeat gave us motivation ahead of the final.”
Despite the final being just around the corner, Shahar made it clear that the team is focused on the immediate task: “Hapoel Petah Tikva is an important match for us. It’s important for us to play well in front of our fans. It’s the last game before the final and it’s important for us to win and look good in order to give the team a push, confidence and positive energy.” Shahar added that they have no intention of underestimating the opponent: “We saw against Beitar Jerusalem that it wasn’t easy for them. We’ll come to do everything possible to win and arrive with good energy so the fans will be happy.”
On the complicated season Maccabi has gone through, amid the security situation and the European matches: “It’s been a very long season, both personally and with all the rounds of wars and the flights because we weren’t able to host matches in Israel.” Now, as the season nears its end, his message is clear: “We need to give one final push. Everyone needs to give of themselves and gather energy to finish this season with a cup and with the sweetest possible feeling. We’ve worked for a long time to reach moments like these.”
Ahead of the demanding occasion of the Cup Final, the midfielder concluded: “Not everyone gets the opportunity to play in a cup final and in matches like these. We want to come into the match against Petah Tikva fully prepared and focused so we can carry that into the final as well.”
