The morning after the dramatic victory over arch city rivals Hapoel Tel Aviv in a penalty shoot-out, Maccabi entered the Quarter Finals draw and were handed another derby in the next round. The ties are scheduled to be played on February 3^rd – 5^th.

Maccabi Jaffa that are ranked 13^th in the second division will host Maccabi at Bloomfield in a repeat of the round of 16 tie which was played in February 2024.

Quarter Finals:
Maccabi Jaffa (2^nd) vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
Maccabi Haifa vs SC Kfar Qasem (2^nd) or Hapoel Kfar Sava (2^nd)
Maccabi Bnei Reineh – Hapoel Be’ersheva

Beitar Jerusalem – Bnei Yehuda (2^nd)

Maccabi’s goalkeeper, Ofek Malika, and defender, Itay Ben Hemo, who both played a significant role in the penalty shoot-out that secured Maccabi’s place in the quarterfinals, spoke after the match.  The 20-year-old keeper who made a spectacular penalty save to deny Liran Rotman and take the shoot-out into sudden death, said: “I never stopped believing, even after the red card. In the end, we did it and I’m very happy about that. Everyone came out as winners, and after this, I believe we can do anything.”

Ben Hemo, who together with his teammates battled for an hour with 10 men following the dismissal of Roy Revivo in the 64th minute, added: “To come into a match like this, with everything that happened, and to get a red card early in the second half, and still look like that the entire game, everyone fought and never stopped believing for a second. This is something worthy of extra time. There’s no feeling like winning a derby, especially in this way. It’s emotional, and we’re happy about it.”

Melika, who started the season with a red card in the Champions League tie against Pafos to cement his place in Maccabi’s goal several months later, said of his save: “It’s a bit stressful. I know that if I don’t stop it, I don’t get another chance. I’m always ready to give my heart and give it my all. I threw myself to the corner and I’m glad I managed to stop the penalty. Both I and Ben Hemo deserve credit for tonight, we fought with 10 men from a relatively early minute. I’m happy we did it together.”

On the special moment of scoring a winning penalty in a derby, Ben Hemo who captained Maccabi’s U19’s before spending a couple of seasons on loan at Bnei Sakhnin, summed up: “I felt confident. I’m glad it went in, but if not for Ofek, we wouldn’t be standing here. I’m happy for him and happy for the team that he was there for us when we needed him. For me, as a defender, it’s just a bonus. It’s a happy moment for me, and for everyone.”

Preview:

Maccabi arrived at Bloomfield stadium for the State Cup round of 16 Tel Aviv derby against arch city rivals Hapoel. After the cancelation of the Tel Aviv derby in the league earlier this season following the pyrotechnics display of Hapoel fans, this will be the first encounter between the two sides in two years. The fact Hapoel spent last season in the second division, means that Maccabi’s unbeaten record in derbies now stretches to 4281 days or just short of 12 years.

The last time both teams met in the Cup, Maccabi won the final after extra time to lift the Cup in dramatic style in June 2021.

Hapoel that host the match will have the majority in the stadium and are unbeaten in all of their matches at Bloomfield this season. Zarko Lazetic, who guided his charges to two league victories in succession against Hapoel Jerusalem and Bnei Sakhnin, welcomed back to the squad Dor Peretz and Ali Camara. While Camara was named in the starting line-up and partnered Raz Shlomo in the heart of defense, Peretz was named amongst the substitutes on the bench. Tyrese Asante at right-back and Roy Revivo as Maccabi’s captain on the left, completed the defensive line in front of goalkeeper Ofek Melika.

In midfield, Issouf Sissokho kept his place in the anchorman role and was joined in the engine room by the team’s top scorer Ido Shahar who has 12 goals in all competitions. Kervin Andrade was named by Lazetic at the top of the midfield trio as the young Venezuelan midfielder was given a chance to experience his first Tel Aviv derby. Helio Varela was also making his first derby appearance on one wing while Osher Davida, who previously featured for both clubs in derbies, was named by Lazetic on the opposite flank. Saied Abu Farchi led the line and was also seeking to score on his first ever derby debut.

With Roi Mishpati’s illness added his name to the list of absentees that already includes: Denny Gropper (knee), Ion Nicolaescu (knee) and Kristijan Belic (cheekbone), Lazetic named on his substitutes bench: Yoav Gerafi, Heitor Dos Santos, Sagiv Jehezkel, Yoans Malede, Elad Madmon, Naom Ben Harush, Itamar Noy, Itay Ben Hemo and Dor Peretz.

First Half:

A sea of colour and a wall of noise welcomed both set of players onto the pitch as Maccabi’s visiting sector in the north part of the stadium tried to overcome the numerical disadvantage it had as Hapoel occupied three quarters of the stadium. Two minutes from the start and after a pyrotechnics display of Maccabi and Hapoel fans, the visitors were awarded a free kick but Stav Turiel fired his shot wide. A Maccabi counter attack down the right saw Tyrese Asante released into the box by Osher Davida but the Dutchman’s attempt of a cross was cleared by Hapoel’s defense.

In the 22nd minute Maccabi reached their best chance as Saied Abu Farchi flicked a clever header into the path of Helio Varela who burst forward and unleashed a powerful drive which was punched away by Assaf Tzur.

Two minutes after the half hour mark Abu Farchi’s shot come cross from the right sailed high and wide of the target.

In the 42nd minute Roy Revivo was booked by referee Sapir Berman for a challange on Turiel.

The fourth official signalled two minutes of added time, none of the teams managed to reach any chance. The halftime whistle sent the two sides to warm up and regroup in the dressing rooms.

Second Half:

With no changes to either side at the interval Maccabi returned for the second half determined to score an early goal. Two minutes after the restart Maccabi got their goal as Revivo reacted first to a Hapoel clearance just outside the box as he released Helio Varela. The Cape Verde winger unleashed a left foot low drive that found the bottom corner of Tzur to break the deadlock.

Hapoel were back on level terms in the 54th as Turiel exploited a Revivo slip in the area before burying his shot last Ofek Melika to draw level at 1-1. Tyrese Asante was booked by Berman shortly after as now both of Maccabi’s full-backs carried yellow cards.

Four minutes after the hour mark, Revivo was given his marching orders after being sent off for two bookable offences to leave Maccabi with 10 men for the reminder of the tie.

Lazetic reacted with a triple substitution in the 71st minute as he replaced Ido Shahar, Kervin Andrade and Davida as he introduced Itamar Noy, Sagiv Jehezkel and Elad Madmon. Abu Farchi pushed back to take the place of Revivo at left back while Madmon stepped up to the lone striker’s role.

Jehezkel had an immediate impact as he picked the ball right on the halfway line, butst forward before being fouled by Loizos Loizu who was consequently booked on 75.

Jehezkel was in the thick of things three minutes later as he controlled an Asante through ball and squared across the face of goal. Abu Farchi who ghosted in atbthe far post blasted a shot but Tzur spread himself to save for a corner.

In the 81st minute Jehezkel’s decision making prevented Maccabi from taking the lead as he won possession on the halfway line and raced clear through. But instead of slipping the ball to Madmon who was free on the overlap, opted to try and dribble past another defender and lose possession.

Four minutes later Melika was at full stretch to palm away a powerful dangerous left foot shot from Loizu. Lazetic introduced Dor Peretz for Varela who hobbled off on 89. As the fourth official signalled four minutes off added time Maccabi came close as Abu Farchi’s free kick found Madmon at the far post but his header which beat Tzur was cleared off the line by Fernand Mayembo.

As no goals were scored, the Tel Aviv derby, just like the Cup final of 2021 was sent into extra time.

Extra Time:

The first period of extra time saw Hapoel try and exploit their numerical advantage but neither team managed to create any chances. Just before the second period started Asante who worked tirelessly in defense limped off with a tight calf muscle as he was replaced by Itay Ben Hemo.

A collision between Melika and Mayembo inside Maccabi’s area saw the tall defender limp off to receive medical treatment before returning to the field for the closing stages.

Melika pulled a stunning save to deny Liran Rotman in the 116th minute and keep his goal locked and Maccabi in the tie.

Maccabi’s brave defending during the entire extra time saw the full time whistle send the tie to a penalty shoot out.

Itay Ben Hemo and Ofek Melika were the stars of the penalty shoot out as Maccabi advanced to the State Cup Quarter Finals after beating city rivals Hapoel Tel Aviv in a dramatic penalty shoot out. Melika saved a crucial penalty from Liran Rotman to take the shoot out to sudden death before Ben Hemo scored the final penalty.

Itay Ben Hemo marked his sixth appearance for Maccabi’s senior side with a goalmouth clearance and a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory over Bnei Sakhnin. The 23-year-old central defender, who came through Maccabi’s Youth Academy, captained the U19’s and made his senior debut this season, said at the end of the victory over Sakhnin: “It was not an easy game; we knew what we were coming into. We knew it would be tough, but we didn’t let up for a moment, both in defense and in attack – with patience.” Ben Hemo, who saw another graduate of Maccabi’s Youth Academy, Ido Shahar, score the winning goal added: “I am happy that in the end we scored the goal and managed to hold on to the lead. It was a team defensive effort, and I’m glad about that.”

On his first half goalmouth clearance that kept Maccabi’s locked before the Shahar scored a second half winner, Ben Hemo said: “That is why I am here. It is my job, and it was important. I saw the ball curving toward the goal, and luckily, I was there to prevent it.”

The victory helped Maccabi string two victories in succession, as Ben Hemo said: “Every match where you play well, win, and stay on your path gives you confidence moving forward. I’m happy about the win, and I hope it helps us push further and continue in the same direction.”

Ben Hemo, who spent the last couple of seasons on loan at Bnei Sakhnin, waited until the end of November to make his senior debut in the week he signed a new 3-year deal at the club, said: “It’s not easy being on the sidelines, but as someone who grew up here, I always wanted to reach this point. That was my goal, and I never gave up for a second. I knew that when the team needed me, I’d be ready. I’m happy to help the club, it’s part of who I am, it’s what I always wanted. Truly, I couldn’t be happier, and I hope to keep working hard and helping the team.”

After playing alongside Ali Camara, Heitor dos Santos, Tyrese Asante and Raz Shlomo in the league, Cup and Europe, as his defensive partners, Ben Hemo said: “I think at the end of the day, we train together all week. Sometimes Raz (Shlomo) starts, and sometimes Héitor (dos Santos), so we’re all used to it, and each player knows what he needs to do. It doesn’t matter who’s out there, we’re all united, following the coach’s approach, and doing what needs to be done.”

On Maccabi’s defensive performance: “Today we were 100% focused in the defensive aspect, on crosses from the flanks and in one-on-one battles. I think the entire team was involved, not just the defenders, and that’s what helped us keep the clean sheet. The dressing room is always ready for every match, whether it’s a derby or a regular game, we do our preparations and stay focused on ourselves. I think there has always been belief in the locker room. We never lost faith, not in the coach, not in the staff, and not in the process. I think that’s what will keep us in the picture until the very end.”

With Maccabi six points adrift of both Hapoel Be’ersheva and Beitar Jerusalem, Ben Hemo remained confident: “A club this big can never be written off. We have strong belief in our path, and we know there’s a long season ahead. We believe we can do it.”

Ido Shahar scored the only goal of the game to lead Maccabi to victory over Bnei Sakhnin at Boomfield. The 24-year-old midfielder who scored his 9th league goal and 12th in all competitions was joined by the brothers Gali and Zivi Berman who attended the match. “It was tough, but another 3 important points” Shahar said.

Ahead of Wednesday’s Round of 16 State Cup tie against Hapoel Tel Aviv at Bloomfield, Shahar said: “We know what a derby means to us, for our club, and for the fans. We are coming in fully prepared and fired up to win the match.”

Gali and Zivi, who returned from captivity in Gaza where they were held hostage for 738 days, shared their excitement ahead of the derby: “It is indescribable, just watching football in general. Just bring on the derby!”

Shahar then added: “I want to say that for us, there’s no greater joy than seeing them (Gali and Zivi) here with us. It warms and touches the heart, we’re so happy they’ve come back to us.”

Preview:

Maccabi returned to Bloomfield stadium for the WINNER League MD18 for the early kickoff match against Bnei Sakhnin. Last week’s victory over Hapoel Jerusalem at Teddy stadium ended Maccabi’s run of four winless matches. Zarko Lazetic’s charges will aim to record a second league victory in succession, something they haven’t done since MD9 in November. With his side currently third in the table 8 points adrift of leaders Hapoel Be’ersheva, and six behind Beitar Jerusalem, Maccabi will aim to cut the gap.

Kristijan Belic and Dor Peretz remain out injured and join Denny Gropper and Ion Nicolaescu on the list of absentees which also includes Ali Mohamad Camara for family reasons.

Raz Shlomo recovered from the facial injury he sustained last week in Jerusalem and returned to the heart of defense. With Camara absent, Shlomo partnered Itay Ben Hemo as the two central defenders in front of goalkeeper Ofek Melika. Tyrese Asante whose spectacular goal at Teddy sealed Maccabi’s victory, started at right-back. Roy Revivo completed Maccabi’s defensive line on the left as the 22-year-old was handed the captain’s armband in the absence of Peretz.

Issouf Sissokho was joined in Maccabi’s midfield engine room by the joint top scorer Ido Shahar who has 8 league goals. Kervin Andrade, kept his place at the top of the midfield trio as the 20-year-old Venezuelan who played a part in both goals at Teddy will try and impress at Bloomfield as well. Helio Varela on one wing and Osher Davida on the other will supply the width to Maccabi’s formation. Elad Madmon who scored a goal and set up another will lead the line aiming to add to his tally of 3 league goals and 5 in all competitions.

On the bench alongside goalkeeper Roi Mishpati, Lazetic named: Heitor Dos Santos, Sagiv Jehezkel, Yonas Malede, Noam Ben Harosh, Ben Lederman, Itamar Noy, Saied Abu Farchi and Ilay Ben Simon.

First Half:

Maccabi began the match with pressure on Sakhnin right from the start and were awarded a free kick deep inside the visitors’ half after Varela was fouled by an opponent. Andrade stepped up but from 25 meters sent the free kick over the crossbar. Maccabi continued to press forward as in the ninth minute Asante flashed a shot across the face of Mohamad Abu Nil’s goal. In the 13th minute Sakhnin came closest to open the score directly from a corner as Ofek Melika missed Jubayer Bushnak’s cross before Itay Ben Hemo headed the ball off the line. Two minutes before te half hour mark Andrade came close as he won a challenge on the left, burst forward and sent a low right foot drive that narrowly missed the target.

Shortly before the break Ben Hemo came close at the opposite end this time rising high at the far post to meet Andrade’s corner. But from almost point-blank range the 23-year-old centra defender guided his header over.

As the fourth official signaled four minutes of added time, Maccabi reached their best chance to score. Andrade charged forward from the halfway line before releasing Davida with the outside of his boot. The winger opted not to shoot first time but instead took a touch and saw his left foot drive blocked by Karlo Brucic.

Just before the halftime whistle was sounded Davida sent a cross into the area which was headed across by Varela but a Sakhnin defender blocked before the danger was cleared.

Second half:

With no changes made after the break, Maccabi came close a minute inside the second period. Andrade sent the ball to Revivo down the left flank before the captain on the day sent pinpoint cross found Ido Shahar who dragged his header wide.

Four minutes after the hour mark, Lazetic made a double substitution as Davida and Elad Madmon bowed out and were replaced by Sagiv Jehezkel and Saied Abu Farchi.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 75th minute in an almost carbon copy of the move that opened the second half but this time with a positive outcome. Revivo ended some slick passing with another pinpoint cross into the danger zone where Shahar ghosted through and headed home to score his 9^th league goal and 12th in all competitions

Lazetic made another double change in the 82nd minute as Shahar and Andrade came off to a standing ovation with Itamar Noy and Noam Ben Harush introduced for the closing stages.

Yonas Malede made his second outing this season as he replaced Varela on 87 with the Cape Verde receiving a standing ovation by the majority if the 19,795 fans.

The full-time whistle saw Maccabi celebrate a second league victory in succession. Attention now turns to the State Cup as Maccabi face arch city rivals Hapoel on Wednesday for a Tel Aviv derby.