The highlight of the Maccabi "Goals" Tel Aviv volleyball team will come tonight at the Shlomo Group Hall in the city, where it will play its historic match in the final of the European Challenge Cup, where it will host the Greek Olympiakos.
It is true, it is true that this is the third most important event in Europe, and it is possible that the chairman of the club went a little out of proportion when he announced that in his opinion the impact of the final on a public level is higher than the gold medal of Artem Dolgofyat in the Olympics; but when a European title is placed on the table, something that does not happen here every day, Maccabi Tel Aviv dreams of going all the way.
3,000 yellow fans will fill every corner in the city rival's hall, to push for success in the first meeting.
Those who will keep their fingers crossed are Shawn Feige, Omer Rubinstein and Ariel Hillman, the former players of the club who will come to support.
The yellow crowd.
This time the Shlomo group will fill the hall, photo: Oren Aharoni
Rubinstein, who retired from active play in 2012 to focus on high-tech, is one of the icons most identified with the club where he served as captain, before hanging up his shoes with a record of 14 years and winning five consecutive doubles: "A European final is an exciting event for every player, certainly when it comes to the final First of an Israeli team," Rubinstein told Israel Hayom.
"I can say that these players faced exciting and stressful situations this year and produced amazing results, so I think that this excitement will actually lead to good things."
Rubinstein believes in the players, photo: Oren Aharoni
Are you tickled to be in such a position?
"I was at the games as a fan and we also traveled with the children to Cyprus, to see the team advance to the semi-finals. Sometimes it tickles. I tell the coach, 'Put on a shirt and I'm coming to play'. On the other hand, it's very pleasant to be outside and come as a fan who knows the players, I enjoy seeing things from the side."
What worked for the team this year?
"I think it's a process I've seen in recent years, a strong training team that brings record after record. There is incredible preparation work here, players who have continued for several years and experience gained with strong foreigners."
Did you believe that the group would one day reach this moment?
"Yes, I had faith. We also reached the quarter-finals, so we weren't far away. I saw the development of the team, the changes in the right places, the professionalism of the management and staff. I felt it was like a dream, and in Cyprus I was moved to tears. I still feel like in a dream" .
are you optimistic
"I don't like to gamble when it comes to my teams, when I feel part. Even though it's an empire rival, Maccabi is a team with a special character and a supportive crowd. There will be a fight until the last minute both at home and away, which leaves me with many reasons for optimism."
The yellow crowd.
Ready for the mission?, Photo: Oren Aharoni
"50-50 game"
The one who still knows the club closely is Ariel Hillman, who came to Maccabi Tel Aviv at the age of 18 and although he was a bench player in his first season, in 2006 he became a regular player in the first six and was one of the standouts when he achieved the double with it three times.
"Professional players wait for moments like this in their careers and here in Israel there aren't many," says Hillman.
"In my first term in the team, we dreamed of playing in the Champions League under Yad Eliyahu, and now it's the closest, so of course I would like to play in such a position."
Hillman on the beaches, photo: Getty
What is working this year?
"They signed good players who joined together and gained confidence from game to game, you see the consistent work of the management and the coach, and the crowd also has a big impact. When you are in momentum, it excites and maybe adds a few points. On the other hand, when the opponent is in momentum, he doesn't let you go down too much."
What will happen in the game?
On paper I think Olympiakos is better, but Maccabi has momentum.
I don't bet, because it's 50-50."
Hillman.
In his opinion, the chances are equal, photo: Getty
For Paige, the romance with the group was ongoing.
He began his career in Tel Aviv and won the doubles three times in a row, but moved to play abroad and then returned to Maccabi to win another double. After that he decided to retire from indoor volleyball and started playing beach volleyball with Hillman.
"I think this is a special event for volleyball and especially for Maccabi Tel Aviv, every player would want to be on the court on a day like this," said Paige.
"Obviously it tickles to be in this position, and whoever earned it - it will be very special for him."
Paige.
Talking about a special event, photo: Getty
Who do you think led the team to this moment?
"I really think it's everyone, it's hard to point to someone in particular who breaks the tie, at least it seems that way to me from the side. Everyone gives their output and this is the result."
How much does the audience have a part in this?
"Here at home there is a very big part. The very fact that they filled the halls and gave such support is a big part of success, brings more points. When the game is here, the crowd is really important."
How will the journey end?
"I hope that in the European Cup, I will come to the game to cheer and I think that all fans of the industry are worth coming to such an event."
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