Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv clashed at the Toto Hall in Holon on November 9, 2026, for the Winner Cup final, marking only the second time the two city rivals met for the tournament’s title.
Tensions and Roster Challenges at Toto Hall
Oded Kattash led Maccabi Tel Aviv into the match carrying a six-game losing streak across all competitions, which included a heavy 105-87 defeat against the same opponent in league play. The club registered Daniel Theis alongside Jalen Howard, Keaton Wallace, Oshae Brissett, and Jimmy Clark.
On the opposing bench, Dimitris Itoudis managed Hapoel Tel Aviv without Vasilije Micić, who suffered a groin injury, and Tomas Satoransky, who remained sidelined under concussion protocol. Hapoel relied on a core that included Dan Oturu, Elijah Bryant, Eugene German, Tai Odiase, and Antonio Blakney.
Maccabi Chases 12th Title While Hapoel Seeks First Trophy
Maccabi sought its 12th Winner Cup trophy, having won 11 titles previously out of 17 final appearances, while Hapoel hunted for its first-ever title in the competition and its first domestic trophy since winning the State Cup in 1993.
Former coach Tal Nathan noted the mental weight of the derby during a broadcast discussion, remarking,
Suddenly a derby win and everything can be different
Tal Nathan, via 103FM
Nathan also addressed Hapoel’s status and Roman Sorkin’s early struggles, stating,
Itoudis the coach has absolute control of the event, and Maccabi and its best players, Roman Sorkin, he can’t find himself. Roman Sorkin is one of the best players on the Israeli national team and has done good things. Hapoel T Tal Nathan, via 103FM
Hapoel Overcomes Early Deficit to Lead at Halftime
The game began with Maccabi leading 17-26 after the first quarter. However, Hapoel responded forcefully in the second period through Eugene German, whose shooting erased a double-digit deficit and pushed the red-clad side ahead 36-44 at halftime.
Hapoel extended its advantage during the third quarter, finishing the frame up 51-62.
