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 60th 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 20th 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.
