Maccabi’s goalkeeper, Ofek Malika, and defender, Itay Ben Hemo, who both played a significant role in the penalty shoot-out that secured Maccabi’s place in the quarterfinals, spoke after the match. The 20-year-old keeper who made a spectacular penalty save to deny Liran Rotman and take the shoot-out into sudden death, said: “I never stopped believing, even after the red card. In the end, we did it and I’m very happy about that. Everyone came out as winners, and after this, I believe we can do anything.”
Ben Hemo, who together with his teammates battled for an hour with 10 men following the dismissal of Roy Revivo in the 64th minute, added: “To come into a match like this, with everything that happened, and to get a red card early in the second half, and still look like that the entire game, everyone fought and never stopped believing for a second. This is something worthy of extra time. There’s no feeling like winning a derby, especially in this way. It’s emotional, and we’re happy about it.”
Melika, who started the season with a red card in the Champions League tie against Pafos to cement his place in Maccabi’s goal several months later, said of his save: “It’s a bit stressful. I know that if I don’t stop it, I don’t get another chance. I’m always ready to give my heart and give it my all. I threw myself to the corner and I’m glad I managed to stop the penalty. Both I and Ben Hemo deserve credit for tonight, we fought with 10 men from a relatively early minute. I’m happy we did it together.”
On the special moment of scoring a winning penalty in a derby, Ben Hemo who captained Maccabi’s U19’s before spending a couple of seasons on loan at Bnei Sakhnin, summed up: “I felt confident. I’m glad it went in, but if not for Ofek, we wouldn’t be standing here. I’m happy for him and happy for the team that he was there for us when we needed him. For me, as a defender, it’s just a bonus. It’s a happy moment for me, and for everyone.”
