The stage is set for a blockbuster Tel Aviv derby as Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv meet in the Winner Cup Final on Monday at 20:55, with the first trophy of the season up for grabs.

Beyond the silverware, there is plenty at stake for both sides. Maccabi arrive looking to turn around a difficult spell and restore confidence, while Hapoel are determined to build on their progress and add another trophy to their growing ambitions. With city pride, bragging rights and a championship on the line, the two rivals have every reason to bring their best.

Maccabi Tel Aviv: An Opportunity to Respond
Oded Katash’s Maccabi side enter the final amid a challenging period, having struggled to find consistency amid a demanding schedule and various absences. The head coach acknowledged that his team has lost some confidence and rhythm, but believes the final offers an ideal opportunity to change the narrative.

“We owe something to our fans, as well as to ourselves,” Katash said. “This game is a good opportunity for us. Winning a title is obviously something we really want.”

Maccabi captain John DiBartolomeo echoed his coach’s message, stressing the importance of staying united during a difficult stretch.

“We’re going through a bad stretch, but the most important thing for us right now is to stay together,” DiBartolomeo said. “This is a great opportunity for us to build some positive momentum during a very demanding period.”

For Maccabi, the challenge will be finding the confidence and cohesion that have occasionally been missing in recent weeks. Katash believes the problems are both mental and basketball-related, and his team will need to address both if it hopes to lift the trophy.

There is also potential reinforcement on the way, with Katash confirming that the club has been in contact with Pierria Henry since last season who will join the squad in January 2027 when his suspension is over and that an announcement regarding a new signing could be coming soon.

Hapoel Tel Aviv: Hungry for a Trophy
On the other side, Dimitris Itoudis and Hapoel Tel Aviv arrive with plenty of motivation and a clear objective: bring home the Winner Cup to their supporters. Itoudis dismissed the idea that the derby could be decided by surprise, instead emphasizing consistency, preparation and desire.

“We’re very hungry and motivated to bring a trophy to our fans and to the team,” Itoudis said. “Every game against Maccabi Tel Aviv is difficult. I believe that tomorrow, the team that wins will be the one that wants the trophy more, with all its heart and soul.”

The Hapoel coach also made it clear that his immediate focus is entirely on the final, with decisions regarding the roster based on which players are ready to give everything for the club.

Captain Bar Timor highlighted the additional motivation within the squad, particularly among players who experienced last season’s disappointment.

“There are quite a few players from last season who still have last year’s final defeat on their minds,” Timor explained. “We want to win and claim titles. That gives them extra drive and motivation to succeed this time.”

For Hapoel, turning that motivation into a composed and disciplined performance will be crucial against a Maccabi team that will be desperate to respond.

The Matchup: More Than Just a Derby
Both coaches acknowledged the quality of their opponent, with neither willing to underestimate the other side’s talent.

Kattash praised Hapoel’s Israeli core, while Itoudis highlighted Maccabi’s individual talent and team structure.

The battle could ultimately come down to execution, momentum, and which team handles the pressure of the occasion better. Maccabi will be looking to rediscover its confidence, while Hapoel will aim to impose its intensity and build on its recent success against its city rival.

With both teams boasting talented rosters and plenty of motivation, the Winner Cup Final promises to be a fascinating contest.

What’s at Stake?
For Maccabi, this is a chance to silence some of the recent criticism, reward its supporters and establish a positive direction for the remainder of the season.

For Hapoel, it is an opportunity to turn last season’s disappointment into motivation, secure a piece of silverware and claim another major victory over its biggest rival.

One city. Two giants. One trophy.