Ofek Melika had a turbulent start to the 2025/26 campaign as the 20-year-old custodian made a substitute appearance in the Champions League qualifier against Pafos but was sent off 20 minutes later. On the victory at Teddy which ended a run of four winleds matches, Melika said: “We didn’t put ourselves under pressure before the game; we came to do our job. All week we prepare for the match and in the end to execute our work in the best possible way. Lately it hasn’t been easy, but I believe that now we’ll start a new and better period.”
On his penalty save that kept Maccabi’s lead and helped his side secure the victory, Melika added: “I spoke with the player (Awaka Ashta); he told me it was the first time he was taking a penalty. I felt he would shoot to that side as God was with me and helped me save it. We train all week and prepare exactly for moments like these, and to make it happen. I’m very happy that I managed to do it.”
On the progress he made this season, Melika said: “At the beginning it was a tough period. I didn’t start the season well with the match against Paphos, and it made me feel very bad. But I kept working hard. I lifted myself up, kept my head up, worked well—the staff saw it and gave me credit. I’m happy I turned it into something positive, and I hope to stay between the posts”.
