Maccabi’s forward, Tal Ben Haim, is ready for the State Cup final (Kick of 20:30) at Sammy Ofer Stadium: ”There’s a different kind of excitement”

Maccabi Tel Aviv did not reach the final of the State Cup for ten long years. It will all change tonight, when Maccabi will play against Hapoel Beer Sheva for the last piece of silverware of the season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmIfO3xgI0Y

Tel Ben Haim on the final: "We are very excited; reaching the cup final was a goal we set out to ourselves at the start of the season. We are happy to make it so far, and now it’s time to win the cup, which would be the first for many players in the squad”.

Although he played in a few big games in his career, Ben Haim admits: “There is a different kind of excitement when it comes to a knockout game, especially when you play in the final. It is not the same as preparing for a regular league fixture. We achieved two of our goals this season, and now it is time to achieve the third one- bringing home the State Cup and to win the treble”.

Ben Haim added his thoughts on the roster for the game, in which several players are missing due to injuries and suspensions: “Each player here is probably good enough to play at any position. I have full confidence in the players who will replace those who are injured or suspended. Everyone in the team wants to win and to finish the season in a high note”.

Maccabi's Captain ,Sheran Yeini and Carlos Garcia met supports at the club's store with the message: “You give us the confidence to win”

 

Maccabi Tel Aviv players, captain Sheran Yeini and defender Carlos Garcia met supporters today (Tuesday) at a gathering that was hosted by the club. The event was part of the build up towards tomorrow’s State Cup final. The event was held at Maccabi’s official merchandise store at 147 Dizengoff st. in Tel Aviv. Supporters who arrived to the event had the opportunity to meet with the two players and to purchase club merchandise. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xurXRa6beGs

 

It was an emotional event for Yeini, as the captain will be leaving the club at the end of the season to play for Vitesse Arnhem in the Netherlands.

 

“It was great to come here and to sign autographs on the supports jerseys”, said Yeini and Garcia. “Now our fans can come to the game with their autographed shirts. The supporters give us a lot of strength and confidence during our games. We are calling for anyone who is coming tomorrow to wear yellow”.

After ten long years, Maccabi Tel Aviv is finally returning to the State Cup final. We decided to revisit our latest Cup Final victories, as we prepare for Wednesday’s clash against Hapoel Beer Sheva.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1HE_xQcK9c

1993/94 Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv 2-0

Some would say that winning the State Cup is the sweetest moment of the season, however winning the State Cup in a local derby is far sweeter. Itzik Zohar scored from a free kick and made the yellow fans jump from their seats. Zohar was also involved in the second goal. Hapoel’s keeper saved his powerful strike, but Nir Klinger was first to score from the rebound and secured Maccabi's win. Maccabi won the State Cup and the derby in an unforgettable evening.

1995/96 Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Hapoel Reshon LeZion 4-1

Maccabi came to the match as clear favorites to win the final; Avi Nimni, Eli Driks and Alon Brumer sealed the game with a 3-0 lead after 30 minutes. Meir Melika added the forth at the 60^th minute with a great chip over the keeper. Reshon LeZion scored a consolation goal, but it did not stop Maccabi from celebrating an impressive victory. Maccabi completed the double in that unforgettable season.

2000/01 Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Maccabi Petah Tikva 3-0

Maccabi opened the new millennium with its 20^th State Cup trophy. Rodrigo Goldberg struck first to give Maccabi the lead. Youngster Eli Biton added the second with a cheeky finish before Avi Nimni sealed the match with the third of the match. A convincing 3-0 victory sent the Yellow fans home with another State Cup trophy.

2001/02 Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Maccabi Haifa 0-0 after 120 minutes, 5-4 in penalties

The cup final against Maccabi Haifa was not a memorable one because of the football display during regulation time or overtime, but because of the drama during the penalty kicks. Both teams scored all four penalties before Giovani Rosso missed the target. Avi Nimni calmly scored Maccabi’s fifth penalty that won the shootout, and the game.

2004/05 Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Maccabi Herzlya 2-2 after 120 minutes, 5-3 in penalties

Maccabi’s last cup final appearance and victory came against the unexpected Maccabi Herzliya. Freddy David’s side surprised Maccabi with the opening goal of the match, but the equalizing goal by Bruno Reis sent the game into overtime. Erez Mesika scored six minutes into overtime, but a resilient Herzliya side found the equalizer and sent the game into penalty kicks. Maccabi’s players held their nerve and scored all five penalties to give Maccabi its last State Cup. 

 

 

With two fixtures to go until the end of the season, Maccabi Tel Aviv will head to the capital city on Monday, the 25.5 to face Beitar Jerusalem in the 35^th fixture. Maccabi Tel Aviv fans will seat in the southern gates 1-2-3.  The ticket sales will start today (Tuesday), and the purchase will be available at the official Maccabi shop at 147 Dizengoff St.  Tel Aviv, at the "Leaan" agency ticket offices, Online or by telephone *8780.

Ticket prices

At the official Maccabi merchandise shop at 147 Dizengoff St. Tel Aviv (Cash Only), and at the "Leaan" agency ticket offices:

Adult – 99 NIS

Childrenwomensoldiers – 49.5

Online or by telephone (*8780)

Adult – 104 NIS

Childrenwomensoldiers – 54.5

On match day at the Teddy Stadium ticket offices (if available):

Adult – 90 NIS

Childrenwomensoldiers – 45

–       Home printing will not be allowed

–       The sale is for Maccabi Tel Aviv fans only.

Opening hours

The official Maccabi Tel Aviv merchandise shop, 147 Dizengoff St. Tel Aviv – Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm, Fridays 9.30am to 3pm

The "Leaan" agency ticket offices, 101 Dizengoff St. Tel Aviv – Monday to Thursday 9am to 7pm, Fridays 9am to 1pm

 

Maccabi Tel Aviv will return tomorrow (Wednesday, 20:30) to the center stage of the State Cup when they will face Hapoel Be’ersheva in the Final that will take place at ‘Sammy Ofer'.

Today (Tuesday) Pako Ayestaran spoke about the important match ahead: “It is a great opportunity for us to win all the titles. We have a difficult contender that during the season showed us that they could beat us and also that we could beat them”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_-H0wxxopU

Regarding the impact of the injuries on tomorrow’s game:

“You have to accept reality, and to face the injuries. We will put the best eleven players that we have available, and fight to win. I cannot fight the injuries that happen during the season. Each game is a different story, no matter what our record is in Sammy Ofer Stadium. I always say that in Cup games, it is the way you perform on the day of the match that matters. If they will perform better they will win, and if we will perform then we will be the ones that will win”.

Regarding the fact they made it to the final said the Coach: "When you start the season you always need to plan the power for the season. It was in November when we said we want to win all the titles. Every trophy is important, and of course you need a little luck, that I am happy was on our side. We have a big challenge tomorrow”.

Sheran Yeini who will probably not be fit to play tomorrow, also spoke on the importance of the match: “Winning the State Cup will be very exciting for me. It is a title that I haven’t won yet, and I would love to complete the missing piece. It will also be a great achievement for the club. Hapoel Be’ersheva is a great team and it will be a difficult game. At the moment I have some back problems and I don’t think I will take part in the match”. 

 

Moments after winning the third consecutive league title, Mitch Goldhar, shared his view on this championship season

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO_1-cCaxg8

 

Sports Director Jordi Cruyff met during the day with Ben Reichart and informed him that he will return to the squad ahead of next season on June 21st

Maccabi’s top scorer and the player who scored the winning goal celebrated the third consecutive championship and already have their sights on the cup final

Maccabi Tel Aviv woke up this morning as champions. After securing the league title with a 2-1 win over Kiryat Shmona, the players are already looking forward to the State Cup final on Wednesday (8:30pm, Sami Ofer Stadium). A win in the final would give Maccabi the treble, having won the Toto Cup and the Winner League.

Eran Zahavi took part of the post-game celebrations despite having to sit last night’s game: “Every championship is exciting. I believe that you need to celebrate each championship as if it is your last one. You’ll never know when you’ll get to celebrate again. We are very happy tonight. We’ll try to be grounded in the next few days because we have an important game on Wednesday, and if we will, win it will be a memorable celebration”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A00VSRyMn64

The season’s top marksman chose yesterday’s game as the defining moment of the season: “I think that yesterday had great significance because we finally won the league. We’ve been waiting for this moment for so long and I’m happy we made it”.

On what makes this team unique, Zahavi said: “I think that our team spirit is really special this season. We went through a rough start and we showed a lot of character. We had a healthy environment in the dressing room, which really helped us in the difficult moments. It might sound like clichés but I truly believe we deserved to win the league”.

Another player who took a great part in yesterday’s match is Maharan Radi, The yellow midfielder who scored the winning goal over Ironi Kiryat Shmona, spoke of his third consecutive title with Maccabi Tel Aviv: “Each championship is sweet in its own special way. It is getting harder and harder achieving the title season after season, but it only makes it sweeter. Personally, I am glad that I got to score the winning goal yesterday”.

Radi pointed out what makes this team special from his point of view: “The thing that makes this team stand out is the team spirit and our strong character. Even when we had bad games, we knew how to get the points. It is necessary to do so in order to be a champion”.

 

It was a great evening that ended in the sweetest way, after a 2:1 win against Ironi Kiryat Shmona, that officially granted the 201415 championship.

 The players ended their modest celebrations and started thinking about the cup match on Wednesday Gal Alberman who did not play due to a suspension said: “It really doesn’t matter which team we played against tonight and who will play on Wednesday night. At the beginning of the season, we talked among ourselves about the importance of the unity of the squad and now we know why. At the moment we are completely focused on our game on Wednesday night. Our main goal this evening was to seal the title, enabling us to focus on the upcoming State Cup final. We are on the verge of making history, every decision we will make on Wednesday night will be vital, therefore we must be focused and present our best performance". 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUvbOQ9R59I

Sheran Yeini didn't play this evening due to an injury, supported his teammates from the stands but joined the celebrations after the game: “I won three league championships in ten years, and I must admit that personally I am not satisfied. I hope we can win another trophy this season. It is ironic that we worked hard throughout the season in order to reach this moment, and now we have to remain focused towards the State Cup final. I believe we will have a proper celebration if we win it. Unfortunately I will not be able to play in the State Cup final. However, I am certain my team mates will do their best in order to win the cup. I know that our supporters want us to win it because we haven’t won it for a very long time and I hope we will be able to finish this season with an historic treble".

Yuval Shpungin replaced the injured Eitan Tibi said at the end of the game: “This is my first championship with Maccabi. It is a great experience! But we are extremely motivated towards the State Cup final on Wednesday night. We didn’t start the game as we hoped, but in the second half we showed our great character and won the game.

Barak Itzhaki said at the end of the match: “You can say we are celebrating in a modest manner. I hope we will have a second celebration this week after we will win the cup on Wednesday night. Personally, it was a complicated season for me, I was injured for a very long time, but I worked hard on and off the pitch in order to finish the season in the best possible way. I really hope everything will work out on Wednesday night and we will be able to win the State Cup after ten years".

 

 

After our team brought the championship title home to Kiryat Shalom for the third time in a row, it is now time for you to choose your biggest match of the 2014/15 season. Perhaps the 3:1 win against Maccabi Haifa led by Aleksandar Stanojevic; the 2:0 win at the only derby that was counted as official; maybe our impressive 3:1 win against Hapoel Beersheva; the last minute win against Maccabi Haifa coached by Marco Balbul, or the unforgettable big 4:1 win against Beitar Jerusalem. Answer the poll and pick the match you will not forget from this season’s championship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n-vSk4fEgM