The return match of the quarter-finals of the State Cup brings together Maccabi Tel Aviv at this time, which is hosted by Maccabi Petah Tikva at the Shlomo Insurance Stadium. Aitor Karanka’s apprentices came to face the challenge with a big advance from the first game and want to advance to the semi-finals without getting into trouble.
After a less good period, the yellows recovered in the last two weeks with two consecutive victories, for the first time under the Spanish coach, with the last of them being the 0:2 over Sekcia Nes Ziona with a clutch of Giorja Jovanovic. As mentioned, the Tel Avivians arrive after winning 0:4 in the first game and want to get through the game safely without injuries in preparation for the continuation of the championship fight.
The host came to the meeting in second place in the national league after defeating Bnei Yehuda 1:4 last week with goals from Maor Levy, Idan Toklomati, Tal Ben Haim and Ilya Shkorin. Bnei Lam’s trainees were defeated 4:0 in the first game and although their chances are slim, they are trying to be a worthy opponent and dream of surprising the yellows.
The trophy cabinet of the club from Tel Aviv is full of wins. Maccabi is the team with the most wins in the state cup in Israeli football with 24 such. The last time it lifted the trophy was two years ago in the 2020/21 season, when it won 1:2 in the final over Hapoel Tel Aviv in overtime.