A very hot day in Tel Aviv welcomed the semi-finals of the Israeli Cup, as Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Maccabi Netanya travelled to Bloomfield Stadium.
The two clubs are very familiar with the venue and stage - both have played here in recent years, with much success.
Netanya beat Ashdod 3-0 in the 2023 semi-finals, while Be’er Sheva beat Maccabi Tel Aviv here in the 2022 semi’s.
Both sides have also developed somewhat of a rivalry in recent years, with many spicy and heated cup ties against one another, usually going the distance to extra time or penalties.
The Diamonds from Netanya, with new coach Marco Balbul, are longing for a trophy after 41 years, and hoping for their first cup since 1978.
Last year’s loss to Beitar Jerusalem is still fresh in their memory.
The Camels from Be’er Sheva, on the other hand, are having a decent season in third place, but want to finish with some silverware to their name.
The two crowds, and especially the Netanya one, produced a great and colourful atmosphere from the get go.
First Half: Maccabi Netanya snatched one home
And their team fed off the good vibes, stinging a surprising goal on the counter attack, as Ethanne Azoulay finished off a quick move in the 15th minute against experienced goalkeeper Ofir Marciano.
However, the Reds from the south did not back down, and kept the pressure up throughout the first half.
There were many attempts on goal, and it was miraculous that none ended up in the net.
One chance eventually did, but was ruled out due to a controversial Miguel Vitor foul in the build up.
It was 1-0 to Netanya heading into half time.
Maccabi Netanya’s fans with a goal and a pyro display in the first half. (Photo courtesy: Uri Levy/BabaGol)
Second Half: Substitutes bring change
In the second half, however, they couldn’t withstand the dominance of Elyaniv Barda’s men, as Be’er Sheva ran riot.
A double substitution that introduced Colombian winger Deinner Quiñones and Imran Oulad Omar to the pitch.
First, twenty minutes into the first half, Helder Lopes headed from close range to equalise.
Then the two subs combined to make it 2-1, as Oulad Omar’s shot crawled slowly into the net.
The Be’er Sheva crowd went wild, and could smell the final.
But the 90 minutes had one more twist in them, as a seemingly innocuous cross from Netanya caught the attention of the VAR team.
Be’er Sheva midfielder Eden Shamir was seen catching a rival’s shirt, and a penalty was awarded.
The Yellow’s own substitute, Maxim Plakuschenko, slotted the spot kick home to equalise five minutes from time, and send the game to extra time.
Extra Time: Quiñones kills the game on the last second
And then, just when it seemed as if the game would head to penalties, Be’er Sheva received a corner.
Goalkeeper Ofir Marciano was told by coach Barda to join the attack, even though the game was tied.
Marciano contested the cross, but it was headed out to the edge of the area by a Netanya defender.
The ball was then nailed back in by Deinner Quiñones, who hit a volley that deflected off Karem Jaber and into the net.
Absolute scenes in Bloomfield, as Hapoel Be’er Sheva win 3-2 and qualify to the Israeli Cup final for the third time in five seasons.
After the game, Quiñones spoke to BabaGol about the emotions of scoring his debut goal in Israel, and particularly in such a dramatic fashion.
“Every kid dreams about scoring such goals,” he said, “and today it was one of those memorable evenings.”
“It was a very important win for us, and an emotional moment for me because of the timing of the goal,” Quiñones said. He only arrived in Israel in January, from Independiente Medellin.
“I am in a new country and still adapting to a new language and culture, but each game helps me progress and learn,” he added with a smile.
Now ‘Deiqui’ and his team are just one game away from silverware, in what could be a very sweet ending to the season.
Cover photo courtesy: Hapoel Be’er Sheva official Facebook page
