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Toto Cup kicks off with early fireworks
The 2026/27 Israeli soccer season kicked off with the Toto Cup group stages, featuring a dramatic Haifa derby win for Hapoel over Maccabi and other notable results. Maccabi Haifa, coming off a rough season, opened with two losses but expressed optimism under coach Barak Bachar and sports director Lior Refaelov.
Toto Cup Opens with Dramatic Derbies and Fresh Starts
The 2026/27 Israeli soccer season began with the Toto Cup group stages, marked by dramatic derby results and a focus on rebuilding for one of the league's storied clubs.
Coverage Comparison
Coverage of the opening Toto Cup matches and Maccabi Haifa's season outlook has been provided by the Jerusalem Post, which reported on both the early results and the club's press conference. The outlet highlighted the excitement of the derbies and the challenges facing Maccabi Haifa as they seek to rebound from a difficult previous season.
Key Claims
Maccabi Haifa finished fifth in league play last season and missed out on European qualifiers, according to the Jerusalem Post.
The team has started the new season with two consecutive Toto Cup losses: a 3-2 defeat to Hapoel Haifa in the city derby and a 3-0 loss to Kiryat Shmona, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
Hapoel Haifa won the Toto Cup Haifa derby 3-2 against Maccabi Haifa, with Yaad Gonen scoring the game's first goal in the 30th minute, the Jerusalem Post reported.
Maccabi Netanya defeated Hapoel Jerusalem 3-1 in another Toto Cup group stage match, with Yarin Abuheitzeira scoring his first professional goal, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Head coach Barak Bachar and sports director Lior Refaelov spoke at the team's season-opening press conference about the upcoming campaign and the changes made, the Jerusalem Post reported.
Bachar stated that the team has brought in new players with a specific profile and that they are working to create the right system and procedures after a poor season, as quoted by the Jerusalem Post.
Yarin Levy is expected to make an immediate impact for Maccabi Haifa, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Perspectives
Maccabi Haifa's Rebuilding Efforts
Maccabi Haifa's head coach Barak Bachar and sports director Lior Refaelov expressed optimism about the new season despite the early losses. Bachar noted the team has made "serious changes" at their training center and with staff, and they have brought in players with a specific profile. Refaelov shared excitement about the new season and indicated they learned from the previous campaign's failures. The team's supporters were unhappy with last season's management, but the club believes it has a foundation to build on.
Early Season Results and Player Performances
Hapoel Haifa's coach Haim Silvas praised Yaad Gonen for taking his chance after limited playing time, saying it is up to the player to become influential. Gonen himself spoke about his goal and the team's performance. Bachar acknowledged his team's poor first-half performance but saw improvement in the second half, emphasizing that the Toto Cup is a time for growth and that the team will look better with time.
How this outlet told it
Jerusalem Post
Framing: Maccabi Haifa looks to rebuild after a rough season — Optimistic and hopeful for the new season
Facts Included:
Maccabi Haifa had a rough season last year
The team finished in fifth place in league play
Maccabi Haifa missed out on competing in European qualifiers
The team has already endured an 0-2 start to the new 2026/27 season
Head coach Barak Bachar and sports director Lior Refaelov spoke about the upcoming campaign
The team has brought in new players with a specific profile
Yarin Levy is expected to make an immediate impact
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Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimMaccabi Haifa had a rough season last year, finishing in fifth place in league play and missing out on competing in European qualifiers.