Hapoel Tel Aviv captures Toto Cup, continues remarkable resurgence

When Hapoel Tel Aviv lifted the Toto Cup following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv at Bloomfield Stadium, the Reds celebrated more than just another piece of silverware. They captured their first top-flight trophy since winning the 2011/12 Israel State Cup and added another milestone to a remarkable resurgence.

While the Toto Cup may rank behind the league championship and State Cup in prestige, there was nothing secondary about this Tel Aviv Derby. The stakes were enormous for both clubs and their supporters, particularly after Maccabi had handed Hapoel a convincing 4-1 defeat earlier in the season.

This time, however, Elyaniv Barda’s squad had a very different response.

Hapoel raced to a commanding 3-0 advantage on goals by Roie Alkukin, Omri Altman and Daniel Dappa, who delivered an outstanding performance. But the Reds were forced to sweat out the closing stages as Dor Peretz scored twice for Maccabi, while an Ester Sokler near miss threatened to turn the contest on its head.

Barda’s players ultimately held firm, however, allowing the Reds to celebrate a memorable derby triumph.

It is remarkable to consider that Hapoel was competing in the second division less than two years ago, having suffered relegation twice over the past decade. The Reds’ return to the top flight last season brought renewed optimism, including a first derby victory over Maccabi in more than a decade and a league finish good enough to secure European competition.
Barda has since assembled a squad blending young Israeli talent, experienced veterans and savvy foreign additions, with the backing of the Safra family ownership and CEO Guy Primor providing stability behind the scenes. The results are beginning to speak for themselves.

Altman’s third act

One of the most important figures in that transformation has been Altman, who is enjoying his third stint with the Reds at age 32. The veteran attacking midfielder has rediscovered his best form while emerging as an influential leader in the dressing room. Although Fernand Mayembo wears the captain’s armband, Altman’s experience and standing among his teammates make him one of the club’s most important voices.

Altman, who came through Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth system before spending two seasons training with Fulham in England, has enjoyed a winding career that included spells in Greece and Portugal, as well as several returns to Hapoel.
He credits much of his current success to Barda’s management.

“He is perhaps the best coach I’ve ever worked with,” Altman said. “He pays attention to everything and goes into the smallest of details. He doesn’t give up on anyone, but he is also demanding. What you see are the results.

The celebration, however, will be brief. Hapoel now turns its attention to Monday night’s league showdown with Maccabi Haifa at Bloomfield.

The Toto Cup triumph represents another significant step in Hapoel’s revival. With Barda directing matters from the touchline and Altman providing leadership on the pitch, the Reds have reason to believe that bigger prizes could await them this season.