Tel Aviv Derby Highlighted Among Top EuroLeague Games of the Season
The first Tel Aviv derby of the season approaches as Maccabi and Hapoel prepare to clash. European media highlights the matchup as one of the premier games in the upcoming EuroLeague half-season.
The Tel Aviv Derby Set to Open the Season
The first Tel Aviv derby of the season is scheduled in four days, as the double-champions Maccabi Tel Aviv face Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Social Super Cup, marking the official opening title of the campaign. This year, professional tension reaches a new peak following the high-profile transfer of Yam Madar to the yellow side of the city. Additionally, both teams are set to clash in the EuroLeague in mid-November and late-December.
EuroLeague Recognition
The website "Skweek" highlighted the top five games of the first half of the upcoming EuroLeague season, looking ahead to the end of 2026. They selected the Tel Aviv derby alongside the Greek derby between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, the Istanbul derby featuring Fenerbahce and Anadolu Efes, the Belgrade derby between Crvena Zvezda and Partizan, and a replay of last season's final between Olympiacos and Real Madrid.
"The big Tel Aviv derby comes with a strong Israeli flavor, as Hapoel has transformed into one of the most ambitious teams in the EuroLeague, featuring players like Vasilije Micic, Elijah Bryant, Zach LeDay, and Jacob Toppin," the site noted.
Loaded Rosters for an Epic Clash
Hapoel boasts a roster packed with quality, size, and immense experience at the highest levels. Meanwhile, Maccabi responded by building a squad blending athleticism, experience, and a strong local identity, featuring players like Yam Madar, Jalen Hoordan, Daniel Theis, and Bonzie Colson.
"This is a derby whose significance extends far beyond the league table. Hapoel openly challenges Maccabi's traditional dominance, while the yellows must defend their status against their most ambitious rival," the analysis concluded.
