oi Misphati helped Maccabi to their first victory in the Europa League this season as his second half penalty save denied Besiktas what would have been a second equalizer.
In the 71st minute of the match which was hosted by Besiktas in Debrecen, Hungary, the hosts were awarded a penalty after Stav Lemkin blocked a shot with his arm inside the area. Maccabi were leading 2-1 thanks ti goals from Gabi Kanichowsky and Dor Peretz as Immobile stepped up to take the spot kick. But, 32-year-old Maccabi keeper denied the Italian striker with a save before Wessley Patati sealed the win.
Speaking after the game Mishpati said: “I have several big saves but this is by far one of the most important ones in my career. We are playing in Europe this season against many big name players. Immobile is probably one of the biggest names I got to play against. I prepared for him, just like I prepare to face any player. He has a variety of shots as he strikes to every corner. But when the score was 2-1 and at a crucial moment of the game came that special moment as I gave everything to save it.”
“We played a game against a top side, which is part of football. Big clubs sometimes experience matches like that. There are players who are mature which is the exact approach we will require against Bnei Reineh on Monday. The league is our bread and butter an that game is clearly the most important”.
