Preview

Maccabi returned to Bloomfield stadium for the State Cup Round of 16 tie against Maccabi Bnei Reineh aiming to return back to winning ways and secure a place in final eight of the competition.

Maccabi’s Head Coach Zarko Lazetic, who completed his one-match-touchline-ban at the weekend, made 9 changes from the side which was held to a 2-2 draw away to Ironi Tiberias.

Simon Sluga made his second Maccabi appearance as the Croatian custodian who kept a clean sheet against Hapoel Jerusalem in the previous round, started in goal. Raz Shlomo, one of two survivors from Saturday’s draw against Tiberias, was partnered by Stav Lemkin at the heart of defense. Tyrese Asante and Roy Revivo returned to the right and left back position to complete Maccabi’s defensive line. Issouf Sissokho and Ido Shahar formed Maccabi’s engine room with Wesley Patati, the second player who started against Tiberias, completing the midfield trio. Hisham Layous on one wing and Elad Madmon on the opposite flank supplied the width to Maccabi’s formation with Eran Zahavi spearheading the attack. The 37-year-old, wearing the captain’s armband, will aim to add to his tally 6 goals in all competitions this season.

On the bench Lazetic named, Roi Mishpati, Idan Nachmias, Dor Turgeman, Joris van Overeem, Nemanja Stojic, Henry Addo, Ofir Davidzada, Dor Peretz and Osher Davida.

First Half

Maccabi began the match with purpose and intention pushing forward with an aim to score an early goal. Ido Shahar had the first sight of goal but his shot from tbe edge of the area was easily collected by Reineh’s keeper Gad Amos. Minutes later Roy Revivo was fouled by Reineh’s Serbian defender Nemanja Ljubisalvjevic before Eran Zahai stepped up to take the free kick. Zahavi drilled a right foot shot which was making it’s way into the top corner but Amos managed to claw the ball out for a corner. Maccabi continued to dominate with Elad Madmon flashing a header over the crossbar in the 11th minute.

Raz Shlomo was the first player to be booked by referee Yoav Mizrahi as the central defender was penalised for tugging the shirt of Muhamed Usman just inside Reineh’s half on 18. Simon Sluga in Maccabi’s goal pulled a reflex save to deny Leroy Mondzenga from converting a cross into his net from close range.
Weslley Patati who looked dangerous down the right flank throughout the first half, lacked accuracy as his crosses into the box couldn’t find a Maccabi teammate in every attempt he tried.

Second half

Reineh threatened to draw first blood after the interval but Sluga punched away Sa’ar Fadida’s powerful drive. A minute later Maccabi finally broke the deadlock as a long ball out of defense released Hisham Layous down the left flank before the burst forward and squared to Ido Shahar who volleyed home. Bloomfield erupted to celebrate the goal but the visitors were back on level terms almost instantly. Reineh exploited a mix-up in Maccabi’s defense before Fadida tuced the ball home from close range to make it 1-1 on 49.

Boosted by the equaliser Reineh came close to complete their comeback on the hour mark as Mondzenga emded a counter attack with a shot which shaved the crossbar. In the 74th minute Lazetic added fresh pair of legs as he introduced Osher Davida for Layous. Inside injury time Reineh took the lead as a cross into the box was turned in by Ezekiel Henty whose flick beat Sluga to make it 2-1. Lazetic sent on Dor Turgeman for Shahar in a bid to try and grab and late equaliser, but Reineh managed to hold on.