Preview
Maccabi arrived at Teddy stadium for the ONE ZERO League MD25 match against Beitar Jerusalem aiming to continue their good run of form. Before the match even kicked off, Maccabi were informed by the IFA Supreme Court that the 1 point which was deducted earlier this season, was restored a fact which increased Maccabi’s lead at the top of the table to two points.
Against Beitar that are winless in their last six league matches and are coached by former Maccabi player and Head of football department, Barak Itzhaki, Head Coach Robbie Keane made three changes from the side that beat Olympiacos in Athens.
Matan Baltaxa partnered Idan Nachmias as the two central defenders in front of goalkeeper Roi Mishpati. Ido Shahar and Roy Revivo continued as the two full-backs on the right and left respectively to complete Maccabi’s four-man defensive line. Keane kept his midfield unchanged as Joris van Overeem in the anchorman role, was joined by Gabi Kanichowsky and Dor Peretz. Felicio Milson on one wing and Dan Biton on the opposite flank were named by Keane as the two wide-men while Dor Turgeman started upfront as the striker.
On the bench Keane named Henry Addo for the first time as the Ghanian winger waited for his chance to make an impact alongside goalkeeper Daniel Tenenbaum, Avishai Cohen, Enric Saborit, Eran Zahavi, Eyal Golasa, Ofir Davidzada, Eden Karzev and Osher Davida.
First Half
Backed by 7000 travelling fans, Maccabi began the match at Teddy with purpose and intention trying to stamp their authority early on. Felicio Milson broke into the area and won a corner in the third minute which was crossed by Gabi Kanichowsky and headed by Matan Baltaxa over the crossbar. Three minutes later at the opposite end, Roi Mishpati was drawn into the action as he came off his to goal line to block Idan Yona who found himself in a good chance to score. Milson continued to look lively as his shot from the edge of the area forced Beitar’s keeper to stretch himself and push the ball out in the 8th minute. The action continued as Idan Nachmias ghosted past Beitar’s defense and sent a powerful header which Silva managed to claw from under the crossbar in the 11th minute. A minute later Beitar’s captain Yarden Shuah managed to break through and with only Roi Mishpati to beat, flashed his shot wide of the post.
In the 27th minute Milson charged forward for half the length of the pitch but as the ball reached Kanichowsky the diminutive midfielder miscued his attempt of a shot. Beitar’s Nika Khorkheli tested Mishpati with a left foot curling shot from the edge of the area which was equaled by Maccabi’s keeper right on the half hour mark. Six minutes later Dan Biton was fouled and as referee Orel Grinfeld awarded Maccabi a free kick, he also booked Beitar’s Gregory Morozov for dissent.
Maccabi were awarded a penalty in the 41st after Biton slipped the ball to Dor Turgeman who dribbled past his marker before being hacked down in the box by Ori Dahan. Grinfeld immediately pointed at the penalty spot before Biton stepped up, kept his calm and fired in the spot kick to break the deadlock.
Second Half
Keane made his first change after the break adding a fresh pair of legs to his attack as Osher Davida replaced Milson at the restart. Tackles were flying at both ends of the pitch as Idan Nachmias was shown yellow right on the hour mark for bringing down Fred Friday who threatened to break through.
Maccabi seemed to have run out of steam as Zohar Zasno blasted a drop-kick which sailed wide of the post in the 68th minute. Keane reacted with a double change as Eden Karzev came on for Joris van Overeem while Henry Addo was handed his Maccabi debut replacing Kanichowsky. Keane made his two final substitutions as Dor Turgeman and Dor Peretz who both worked tirelessly came off on 77 and were replaced by Eran Zahavi and Eyal Golasa.
Beitar continued to look dangerous on the break as Dor Micha led a counter-attack in the 82nd minute which Timothy Muzi blasted high and wide. Davida had the ball in the back of the net inside injury time after Silva saved Addo’s close range header, but the goal was disallowed after the Ghanian was caught offside. Meyron George came close as he had a shot blocked before his second effort shaved the top of the crossbar.
Deep inside injury time Beitar were awarded a free kick near the corner of the area after Revivo brought Muzi near the corner of the area. Li-On Mizrahi’s free kick shaved the woodwork once again which was the final kick of the game as Grinfeld ended the contest.
Maccabi’s attention will not turn to Thursday’s Conference League return leg against Olympiacos at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola.
