Centering hopes in Zahavi
After Maccabi sensational away defeat against Hibernians FC (2:1) within the Champions League second qualifying round first leg it was difficult to imagine that Israeli side would win the return match (5:1) and eventually reach the group stage. The thing is Maccabi have a true hero, who saved the team almost on his own – Eran Zahavi. His brace handed Maccabi victory against FC Viktoria Plzen on aggregate. In the battle against Basel Zahavi netted three goals and took Israeli side to the group stage.
After 2:2 draw in Switzerland Maccabi had to avoid home defeat and they did – 1:1. Thus Zahavi’s brace in the first leg was decisive.
Maccabi halfback also hit the target at home arena. That was Zahavi’s seventh goal in the Champions League qualification.
- I feel comfortable no matter what the tactical scheme is. Even when we use 4-3-3 formation we need more players in the penalty area to score. We constantly work on mutual understanding, - says Zahavi.
Second attempt in the Champions League
This is the second time Maccabi have reached the Champions League group stage.
Last time they did that in 2004/2005 season. Their opponents were Bayern Munich, Juventus and Ajax. By the way, it will be the second Champions League campaign for Eran Zahavi too. In 2010/2011 season he performed in this competition with Hapoel Tel Aviv FC.
Face to face
FC Dynamo Kyiv have played two official euro cups matches against Maccabi Tel Aviv FC. Both were 2011/12 Europa League group stage fixtures – 1:1, 3:3.
The last one took place in Kyiv.
2011/12 Europa League. Group stage matchday 6
14.12.2011. Kyiv. Dynamo Stadium named after Valeriy Lobanovskyi. 5,000 spectators
FC Dynamo Kyiv – Maccabi Tel Aviv FC – 3:3 (2:0)
Goals: Kehat (11, own goal), Husiev (17, 80) – Vered (17), Atar (62), Dabour (75).
New meeting and old acquaintances
Before the game against Dynamo Maccabi played three matches. Slaviša Jokanović’s men lost two of them (against Chelsea FC – 4:0 and against Hapoel Ra’anana AFC – 2:1) and won one – against Maccabi Haifa FC 2:0.
Today there are four players in Maccabi squad, who opposed Dynamo in 2011/12 season: defender Yoav Ziv, midfielders Gal Alberman and Dor Micha and striker Barak Yitzhaki.
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