Maccabi Tel Aviv downs Haifa in Classico to reach State Cup final

A serene quiet could be felt around the stadium at halftime as both sets of supporters needed a few minutes to take a breather after an exhilarating half that saw chances galore at both ends.

GONZALEZ SCORES for Beitar Jerusalem just 30 seconds into the derby, sending his club on its way to a 2-0 win. (credit: YEHUDA HALICKMAN)

Cedric Don, who used to dance on this same field for Hapoel Jerusalem, had the chance of a lifetime to give the Greens the lead, but somehow he sent the ball way over the bar.

As Haifa continued to hold all of the cards, Ronny Delia’s Maccabi made a trio of substitutions to freshen up its attack. In no less than two minutes, the yellow-and-blue went right after the Greens, received a corner kick that Revivo promptly put into the box for Tyrese Asante to head it home and take a 2-1 lead in the 58th minute.

Triple substitution leads to Maccabi penalty

The triple substitution is always lethal, a trio of new players with plenty of energy to burn entering the fray, while in this case, Haifa coach Bachar made no changes to his lineup to counter, which led to a Maccabi penalty. With the chance to add an insurance marker, Shahar stepped up and skied the ball into the yellow-and-blue supporter section, giving Haifa a sliver of life.

Now with the chance to rectify the substitution debacle, Bachar quickly inserted a pair of new players, and with that, the Greens raced downfield and created a pair of incredible opportunities, but just came up short as the match hit the 70th minute.

Elad Madmon began the attack, sent the ball to Varela, who in turn passed it to Revivo, who scored to put Tel Aviv up 3-1. Haifa pulled a very late goal back as a result of a scrum in front of the goal via Kani, but it was too little, too late as Maccabi Tel Aviv headed to the State Cup final, and a duel with Hapoel Beersheba for the coveted trophy.

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