A Night of Red and Yellow
The atmosphere inside Teddy Stadium was electric as roughly 30,000 supporters filled the arena, half draped in red and the other half in yellow. A special Fan Zone organized by the Israel Football Association welcomed fans from both clubs, while an Israel Defense Forces choir performed Hatikva before kickoff, adding a solemn note to the festive scene.
The match began with Muhammad Abu Romi giving Hapoel Beersheba a 1-0 lead at halftime, capitalizing on a clever strip by Kings Kangwa that set up the striker. The early goal seemed to tilt the balance, but Maccabi Tel Aviv refused to surrender, pressing forward with relentless intensity.
Roy Revivo emerged as the hero for Maccabi, equalizing in the 58th minute with a powerful header from a corner kick. The strike shifted momentum, and just six minutes later Revivo struck again, finding the net in the 64th minute to put Maccabi ahead 2-1. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Tel Aviv faithful.
The victory was especially poignant given the turbulent season Maccabi endured, which saw a carousel of head coaches including Zarko Lazetic, Ronny Deila, and Kenny Miller. Ran Kozuk, the current head coach of Hapoel Beersheba, is expected to remain in his post, while Maccabi’s coaching saga underscored the instability that preceded the cup final.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s ownership group, led by Mitch Goldhar, has been reshaping the club’s structure with an eye toward sustained success. The win not only adds a record‑extending 25th State Cup to the trophy cabinet but also signals a potential resurgence as the side aims to defend its league title and chase another historic double.
Fans poured onto the pitch after the final whistle, chanting the club’s anthem and waving flags that blended red and yellow. The scene encapsulated the deep emotional ties between the team and its supporters, a bond that has endured through coaching changes, player transfers, and the ever‑present quest for silverware.