Before the second semi-final of the Israeli State Cup, some would have considered it a low-profile match.
Compared to the first game between Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Maccabi Netanya, which was played in the fully-packed Bloomfield Stadium, the compact Netanya stadium hosted Maccabi Petach Tikva and Hapoel Nof HaGalil.
For both sides, it was a great chance to secure an impressive achievement.
Maccabi Petach Tikva played in the cup final in 2020, and lost against Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Their last cup win was back in 1952.
On the other hand, for Hapoel Nof HaGalil - a second-tier club - it was the first time they have ever made it to the cup semis.
BabaGol is LIVE at Netanya Stadium with @yossport1 and @EdenRoit before the 🇮🇱 State Cup semi final between Maccabi Petah Tikva and Hapoel Nof Hagalil. Who will secure a place in the final against Hapoel Be'er Sheva? pic.twitter.com/16hgt07Zts
— BabaGol (@BabaGol_) April 30, 2024
During the first half, Hapoel Nof HaGalil's excitement gave them a sense of optimism.
They played strongly and tried to score, knowing that this was their chance to shine. But Maccabi Petach Tikva managed to score twice.
In the 19th minute, Maor Levi scored a direct free kick into the net.
And just before half time, Slovenian Luka Stor ran down the right wing before attempting a pass to his teammate - but defender Dolev Azulay slid to clear the ball and ended up scoring an own goal.
In the second half, the difference between the two sides was clear.
Hapoel Nof HaGalil barely managed to create a decent chance, while Liran Hazan scored the third for the opposition, just after the hour mark.
And the game would go on to end with a 3-0 win for Maccabi Petach Tikva.
That marks the end of a tremendous week for Israeli football.
The Israeli State Cup semi-finals have provided a mixture of everything you want to see in the business end of a competition: drama, quality, rivalry and dreams.
The final on 30 May, with Hapoel Be’er Sheva taking on Maccabi Petach Tikva - another chapter in this magnificent tournament.
Easily sliding to the final against Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Maccabi Petah Tikva’s players celebrate (Photo courtesy: Asaf Hofman)
🇮🇱 State Cup semi final: In a one-sided match, Maccabi Petah Tikva beat Hapoel Nof HaGalil 3-0 and advanced to the final. Maor Levi, Dolev Azoulay (O.G.) and Liran Hazan scored the goals. Maccabi Petah Tikva will face Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the final.
— BabaGol (@BabaGol_) April 30, 2024
📸 Asaf Hoffman pic.twitter.com/KBKF8wMerA
Photo courtesy: Asaf Hofman
