Hapoel Tel Aviv Drawn Against Maccabi Tel Aviv in State Cup Showdown

Ever since American-Jewish billionaire and businessman Edmond Safra completed his acquisition of Hapoel Tel Aviv, the Hodorov training ground has been filled with renewed hope, administrative stability, and unprecedented financial strength. Safra's arrival marks the dawn of a new era designed to return the powerhouse club to the forefront of Israeli football, sanitize its financial systems, and close the gaps that have widened over the years against its yellow cross-town rival.

However, Safra's ambitious declaration of intent faces its most intense and immediate test. In the State Cup Round of 8 draw for the 2026/27 season, held at the Ramat Gan Stadium VIP box with the entry of 14 Premier League sides, Hapoel Tel Aviv was drawn against title holders Maccabi Tel Aviv. The high-stakes Bloomfield clash, scheduled between December 24 and 28, highlights a round that also features defending champions Hapoel Beersheba visiting Bnei Sakhnin, Beitar Jerusalem hosting F.C. Ashdod, and Maccabi Haifa facing Hapoel Ra'anana.

According to Transfermarkt data, Maccabi Tel Aviv's squad market value is estimated at roughly 31 million euros, compared to Hapoel Tel Aviv's squad valued at approximately 19 million euros, highlighting the financial and sporting challenge Safra aims to bridge. Furthermore, the cup derby news caught Safra's management in the midst of preparations for another explosive derby clash. Tonight, the two Tel Aviv rivals meet at Bloomfield Stadium for a historic encounter, as a derby decides the Toto Cup final for the first time in the tournament's history.

Beyond city pride, a significant financial reward is at stake: the team lifting the trophy will secure a 900,000 shekel prize, while the runner-up will receive 650,000 shekel. For Safra, this double-header against Maccabi Tel Aviv serves as a crucial milestone in the Reds' revival project, offering a chance to challenge local hegemony and restore Hapoel to the summit.