It’s not always the case with cup football, but this year’s State Cup final was a clash between two of the best sides Israel has to offer this season.

Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Be’er Sheva have been running head-to-head all season, with Maccabi just beating Hapoel to the league title in the last few games of the season. Both teams faced off too in the final of the Toto Cup, the league cup, with Maccabi winning after a penalty shootout.

Hapoel came into this game with a point to prove. They began this season unbeaten in the first 16 games, but a series of bad results forced the owners to make a change at the top, with club legend Elyaniv Barda coming in as manager.

For Maccabi, this was their chance to break a record. Only once has a club won the domestic treble, Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2015. As Maccabi Haifa also won the domestic Super Cup, this was an opportunity to be the first side to win a quadruple.

First half

The game started with protests against the police from the stands. First it was the Hapoel fans launching pyrotechnics and, once the police had taken them away, it was Maccabi’s turn. Fans had already been banned from bringing banners to the match, as they’ve allegedly been used to smuggle in the pyrotechnics.

On the pitch, though, there was a match to play. Both teams were confused and ineffective. In the 27th minute, Eugene Ansah ran down the right wing and put a decent ball into the box. Ramzi Safouri, one of Hapoel's key players, was in a perfect spot to score the first goal of the evening.

Second half

Just after half time, Hapoel made a crucial mistake. Iyad Abu Abid gave away a penalty with his tackle on Mahmoud Jaber. Two minutes later, Omer Atzili took the opportunity and scored the equalizer.

Omer Atzili, after scoring the equalizer for Haifa. Photo: Shaul Greenfeld

One of Hapoel's main strengths this season has been their set pieces. In the 71st minute, an accurate free kick into the box, and Rotem Hatuel was there to head it in with one of his first touches of the game. Advantage Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

Rotem Hatuel was flying high to score Be’er Sheva’ second. Photo: Nicole Liberman

With just a few minutes left to play, Maccabi again showed why they are the best club in Israel. Omri Glazer tipped the ball for a corner, Maccabi tried to convert it, but they didn’t need to - Miguel Vitor scored an own goal.

For the second time in this match, Hapoel Be'er Sheva had taken the lead and Maccabi Haifa had equalized. The game was destined for extra time.

Extra time and penalties

Both teams were anxious, but none of them could find the decisive goal. After 120 minutes, it was still 2-2.

There’s a recent trend of settling cup finals with penalty shootouts, and this one was close too. Both teams missed their first shot and scored their second. Iyad Abu Abid, who earlier this season had scored two penalties against Maccabi in a league game, scored the third for Hapoel. Godsway Donyoh’s was saved by the keeper.

Helder Lopes was on hand to give Hapoel a 3-1 lead, but it was their keeper who would prove the star of the show. Omri Glazer saved Mavis Tchibota’s penalty, his third of the night, to seal the victory.

Fully deserved victory, on penalties. Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s players seconds after winning the final

Hapoel Be'er Sheva celebrated its third Israeli Cup title, two years since their last, but there was one significant change compared to their previous trophy - the crowd is back. Two years ago, in front of empty stands in Bloomfield, Hapoel Be'er Sheva celebrated, this time their fans were there too.

This match was just another episode in the ongoing new rivalry between Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Maccabi Haifa. You won’t miss it too much, they’re due to play each other again in July.