Nachmias whose first half goal against RFS was his first in Europe this season and second in all competitions, said after the game of the dramatic victory: “We have plenty of matches lately that we make our lives difficult, but I am happy that today we knew how to win”. The 27-year-old defender who celebrated the goal with a flag that had the name of his close friend Shai Termin who was killed 11 months ago to the day, said: “I’d like to dedicate the goal in memory of my friend who was killed and today was his memorial service. I was sad not to be there but at the same time happy that from here I got the chance to raise his memory even further. I will always keep on doing it whenever I possibly can.”
On the dramatic late penalty save goalkeeper Roy Mishpati said: “I have plenty of things to say abut him, as whoever knows the relationship I have with him knows that he is like a brother to me and I am mighty proud of him. He did cause that penalty but he saved us big time.”
Mishpati took Nachmias’s place in front of the TV cameras and said: “The three points are not mine, it belongs to all my teammates who worked just as hard. I am delighted with the final result, but as one can see the life of a keeper are not simple. I made a terrible mistake in the last minute of injury time, I gave the fans a big fright and I am happy that I managed to make amends by saving the spot kick.”
Mishpati, who came out to punch the ball but collided with an RFS opponent in midair admitted he knew what was about to happen: “I knew there was going to be a penalty as I felt the players’ head. Things like that happen and I am just happy I managed to save the penalty.”
On Maccabi’s future prospects in the competition, Mishpati said: “We spoke about it in the dressing room ahead of the game as we were playing against a side that is very tactical, tough and aggressive. We came prepared, as they didn’t reach too many chances.”
On the fact Maccabi has been struggling lately, Mishpati said: “I am not sure where to point the finger at why it is difficult for us, but there are periods like that in football when results don’t go your way and the ball refuses to go in. We are working on this and give everything on the training field and in team meetings with the coaching staff. I just hope that from here we would emerge to a better spell.”
Ahead of Monday’s return to league action away to Hapoel Jerusalem, Mishpati concluded: “We will be happy with the victory today, return home tomorrow and begin our preparations for Monday’s match.”
