Match preview: Quarter-final atmosphere in Jerusalem
The State Cup quarter-final at Teddi Malcha Stadium on 04/02/2026 brings a compelling domestic knockout clash as Beitar Jerusalem host Bnei Yehuda. This is a midweek date with real weight: Beitar arrive off a powerful unbeaten streak in all competitions, while Bnei Yehuda have shown resilience and cup pedigree in recent weeks. The venue in Jerusalem — capacity 32,000 — guarantees an electric atmosphere that should favour the home side, and the timing places this tie in a phase of the season where momentum matters more than ever.
Beitar's latest string reads like a team peaking at the right time: eight wins and two draws in their last ten outings, including a 2-2 draw with Hapoel Haifa and a 3-1 win at Hapoel Petah Tikva. Their attacking output away from home has been notable, and at Teddy Malcha they’ll be aiming to impose themselves early. Bnei Yehuda have been efficient in the lower leagues and cup ties — recent results include narrow wins and a penalty shootout victory — a sign of a team hardened to tense cup scenarios. Their campaign shows both grit and the occasional low-scoring grind, making them dangerous in knockout football.
Tactical edge and statistical picture
On paper the edge goes to Beitar. Their form curve is steeper and they’ve avoided defeats through consistent scoring and match control. Bnei Yehuda’s results trend toward tight encounters: several 1-0s and 0-0s feature in their recent slate, suggesting they can be compact and hard to break down. The head-to-head meeting available from 2024 ended in a narrow win for Beitar, and while that was a friendly it underlines that Beitar know how to find a decisive edge against this opponent.
Statistically both teams show different profiles: Beitar’s recent matches include some higher-scoring affairs while Bnei Yehuda frequently register clean sheets or narrow margins. That mix points toward a game where Beitar will try to force tempo and Bnei Yehuda will look to stay organised and hit on the break or in set plays.
Prediction and betting suggestion
Expect a competitive cup tie where home ambition meets away stubbornness. My read is that Beitar Jerusalem are likeliest to advance — their form, home setting, and recent attacking returns give them a clear advantage. For punters focused on market selection, the 1X2 market is the cleanest way to back that edge: back Beitar Jerusalem to win. If you prefer studying market timing and risk control before placing the wager, check practical advice on Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets and remember the value of discipline with a look at How to have emotional control when placing bets?
Suggested bet: 1X2 — Beitar Jerusalem to win.
