Match Preview: Hapoel Beer Sheva vs Maccabi Tel Aviv – Super Cup (Israel)

Hapoel Beer Sheva and Maccabi Tel Aviv Lock Horns in Super Cup Showdown

The most recent meeting between Hapoel Beer Sheva and Maccabi Tel Aviv ended in a 2-1 victory for the latter in the State Cup, but the former's 4-2 thrashing of Maccabi just a week prior suggests a high-scoring encounter could be on the cards. With both teams looking to claim the Super Cup, the stakes are high, and the tension is palpable. The absence of major injuries means both teams will be at full strength, setting the stage for an intense battle. The question on everyone's mind is: can Hapoel Beer Sheva's potent attack outgun Maccabi Tel Aviv's solid defense?

Match Details

• Competition: Super Cup (Israel)
• Venue: Toto Turner Stadium, None
• Kick-off: Thursday, 16 July 2026 • 17:30 UK Time
• Referee: None

Current Form

Hapoel Beer Sheva's recent friendlies have been a mixed bag, with a 3-2 win over Radomiak Radom and a 2-2 draw with Omonia Nicosia sandwiched between a 1-3 loss to Legia Warszawa. Despite the inconsistency, Hapoel's attack has shown glimpses of brilliance, with players like João Victor and I. Zlatanović capable of unlocking defenses. In contrast, Maccabi Tel Aviv's friendlies have been marked by a lack of goals, with a 1-0 win over Alashkert and a 0-1 loss to IMT Novi Beograd highlighting their struggles in front of goal. However, Maccabi's defense has been solid, and they will look to build on that foundation against Hapoel. Maccabi Tel Aviv's recent results also suggest that they are a team in transition, with a mix of experienced players like Dor Peretz and young talent like Orel Baaia. Their 2-2 draw with Hapoel Petah Tikva in the Ligat Ha'al highlights their inability to kill off games, but also shows their resilience in the face of adversity. Hapoel Beer Sheva, on the other hand, will look to capitalize on Maccabi's lack of goalscoring punch and catch them off guard with their quick transitions and direct play.

Team News

With no major injuries reported, both teams are expected to field their strongest lineups. Hapoel Beer Sheva's attack will likely be led by João Victor and I. Zlatanović, while Maccabi Tel Aviv will rely on the creativity of Dor Peretz and the pace of Orel Baaia. The absence of injuries means that both teams will have a full complement of players to choose from, and the starting lineups will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game.

Head to Head

The head-to-head record between Hapoel Beer Sheva and Maccabi Tel Aviv is marked by a series of high-scoring encounters, with the two teams combining for 15 goals in their last five meetings. Hapoel Beer Sheva's 4-2 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Ligat Ha'al is a testament to their attacking prowess, but Maccabi's 2-1 win in the State Cup shows that they are capable of shutting down Hapoel's attack. The trend suggests that the team that can impose their will on the game will emerge victorious, making the tactical battle a fascinating one to watch.

Tactical Breakdown

The key tactical battle in this fixture will be Hapoel Beer Sheva's high-intensity pressing against Maccabi Tel Aviv's deep block. Hapoel's ability to win the ball back quickly and launch swift transitions will be crucial in breaking down Maccabi's defense. Players like K. Kangwa and Lucas Ventura will be key in this regard, using their pace and agility to harass Maccabi's defenders and win the ball back. Maccabi Tel Aviv, on the other hand, will look to use their compactness and cover shadow to nullify Hapoel's attack, and then launch quick counter-attacks through the pace of Orel Baaia and the creativity of Dor Peretz. The midfield battle will also be crucial, with Hapoel Beer Sheva's double pivot of D. Biton and M. Kna'an looking to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. Maccabi Tel Aviv's midfield trio of Dor Peretz, I. Noy, and R. Magor will look to break up Hapoel's attacks and launch quick transitions of their own. The team that can gain the upper hand in midfield will have a significant advantage in the game.

Prediction

I predict a 2-1 win for Hapoel Beer Sheva, with their high-intensity pressing and swift transitions proving too much for Maccabi Tel Aviv's defense. Hapoel's attacking trio of João Victor, I. Zlatanović, and R. Levy will be too potent for Maccabi to handle, and their pace and agility will prove the difference in a tightly contested encounter. As the two teams take to the pitch, one thing is certain: only one can claim the Super Cup, and the winner will be the team that can impose their will on the game.