After a heartbreaking loss in the league, Maccabi Tel Aviv headed to their most important European match in the past five years.
In the Europa League's last matchday, the Israeli champions needed only a draw, when they hosted the heavily COVID-19 infected Sivasspor, who arrived with only three substitutions.
A minute of silence in tribute to Paolo Rossi, while Sivasspor is resuming Basaksehir’s protest. (Photo: Shaul Greenfeld)
Maccabi Tel Aviv opened the match and controlled the pace in the first minutes, without creating any threats.
Sivasspor almost won a penalty in the 23rd minute as Olarenwaju Kayode was fouled in the box, but the referee hasn’t called it, and neither went for the VAR.
Maccabi did not look like they play in their most important European match in the past five years. They lacked the intensity and accuracy throughout all of the first halves.
In the last minutes of the first half, Sivasspor took over the pace and began to press and sent a couple of balls in the dangerous area.
On the verge of the whistle, Max-Alain Gradel tested Maccabi’s goalkeeper, Daniel Tenenboim, after he passed two defenders, but his shot wasn’t strong enough. 0-0 in half-time.
Alexander Pešić looking at a lost ball, intercepted by Aaron Appindangoye. (Photo: Shaul Greenfeld)
Second Half
The second half started with an improved pace.
In the 54th minute, Sivasspor almost scored. Kayode ran with determination on the right-wing and sent a great cross which went passed the goal-line, but Mustafa Yatabaré arrived late.
On the 66th minute, the moment Maccabi was waiting for has come. Enric Saborit grabbed the ball in the midfield, went pass a player and with his left foot sent the ball to the far post, into the back of the net. Fantastic goal by the Basque left-back.
Despite trying very hard, Sivasspor couldn’t create any real threat to Maccabi’s goal. On the other hand, Maccabi went for counter-attacks, stood strong in defence, and perfectly completed the task.
Maccabi returns to the Europa League knockout stage for the first time since 2013/14 season when they played against Basel. They are the first Israeli team to qualify twice for the competition’s knockout. Talking about achievements!
Now they will wait for the draw to know which European team will make its way to the Middle East.
