קוז’וך לאחר ההפסד באלוף האלופים: “מאכזב, ציפיתי להרבה יותר

Kenny Miller’s Tactical Decisions Against Hapoel Be’er Sheva

The match served as a direct follow-up to the 2025/26 season finale, where Maccabi Tel Aviv also defeated Hapoel Be’er Sheva to win the State Cup. Under the guidance of manager Kenny Miller, who surprised observers by fielding Itay Ben Hama as a right-back and Ido Shahar on the left wing, the visitors displayed tactical intensity early on. The scoring sequence began in the 10th minute after Itamar Noy intercepted the ball, finding Jehezkel, who provided the cross for Abu Farchi to score into an empty net. Although the goal was initially disallowed for offside, a review corrected the decision.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva leveled the score in the 15th minute when a cross from Guy Mizrahi hit the post, eventually finding Kings Kangwa, who scored with a “wonderful” heel-flick. Despite this, Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s defense, described as “very vulnerable” and in need of reinforcement, struggled to contain the opposition. In the 58th minute, a precise passing sequence involving Jehezkel on the left flank allowed Dor Peretz to score, reclaiming the lead for the visitors. Abu Farchi later completed his brace in the 72nd minute, again assisted by Jehezkel, who finished the match with three assists.

Aviv Klein’s VAR Intervention Regarding Sagiv Jehezkel

The match was marked by high tension and disciplinary action, resulting in five yellow cards. In the 66th minute, Maccabi’s Roy Revivo was sent off after committing a foul on Amit Ohana, leaving the visitors with ten men for the final half-hour. Despite the numerical advantage, Hapoel Be’er Sheva failed to capitalize, with players appearing “stunned” and unable to threaten goalkeeper Ofek Melika. The match also featured a unique officiating moment when referee Aviv Klein issued a second yellow card to Jehezkel for delaying his exit during a substitution while objects were being thrown from the home crowd. The decision was overturned following a VAR intervention—the first time this procedure has been used to rescind a second yellow card in the league.

Ran Kuzoch and the Injury of Joao Victor

For Hapoel Be’er Sheva and manager Ran Kuzoch, the evening ended with mounting concerns. In addition to losing the title, the club faces a tight turnaround before their Champions League qualifying match against the Icelandic side Vikingur on Tuesday. The squad’s depth was tested, as players like Marko Wolf, Itay Rotman, Niv Yehoshua, and new signing Joao Victor began the match on the bench. Compounding their difficulties, Joao Victor suffered a muscle injury during stoppage time, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming European fixture.

Maccabi Tel Aviv, meanwhile, continues to await the return of players like Dan Glazer, who was available on the bench but did not feature. Manager Kenny Miller expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, securing his second trophy in two finals, and indicated that the club will continue to patiently await further roster reinforcements. While a late fourth goal by substitute Shahar Rozen was disallowed for offside, the result stands as a dominant start to the season for the Tel Aviv side.

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