Category: News

Maccabi through to round of 16

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Maccabi Tel Aviv returned to the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia, for the final Conference League Group B home match against Gent. Robbie Keane’s side that suffered its’ only defeat this season to Gent on October 5th, are aware of the fact that only a victory over the Belgian outfit will see them win the group and reach the Round of 16. But the task will be far from easy as Gent that one more point than Maccabi with 13, are unbeaten in the group and also suffered a solitary defeat in their domestic Belgian league.

Derrick Luckassen, who picked his third booking away to Breidablik, served his one-match-touchline-ban, forcing Keane to make at least one change in defense. As a result, Enric Saborit and Nir Bitton lined-up as the two central defenders in front of goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. Avishai Cohen and Roy Revivo completed Maccabi’s back-four on the right and left respectively. Joris van Overeem in the anchorman role, supported by Dor Peretz and Gabi Kanichowsky kept their places as Maccabi’s midfield engine room. Dan Biton on one side and Felicio Milson on the other supplied the width to Maccabi’s formation with the task of providing ammunition for Eran Zahavi. The 36-year-old marksman who led the team out wearing the captain’s armband, will try add to his phenomenal tally of 17 goals in 18 matches this season.

On the bench, Keane, named: Roi Mishpati, Idan Nachmias, Dor Turgeman, Yonatan Cohen, Sheran Yeini, Eyal Golasa, Ofir Davidzada, Saied Abu Farchi, Ido Shahahr, Kiko Bondoso, Osher Davida, Yvann Macon.

First Half

Maccabi began the match on the front foot with Milson looking lively down the left flank as the Angolan winger broke forward and was brought down by Gent’s Ismael Kandouss who was consequently booked. Avishai Cohen tried catching Gent’s keeper by surprise but his right foot dipping shot hit the side netting. In the ninth minute however Maccabi got their well deserved lead as Milson switched to Dor Peretz whose initial shot struck the base of the post before Gabi Kanichowsky reacted first and fired in the rebound.

Eran Zahavi received a glorious chance to double Maccabi’s lead in the 19th minute after Peretz carved Gent’s defense open with a perfect through ball. But the veteran marksman somehow managed to side-foot his close range effort wide of the target.

Maccabi continued their dominance and in the 24th minute Zahavi made amends for his earlier miss by scoring his 18th goal of the season. Zahavi, carried the ball on the edge of the area before blasting a low drive that found the bottom corner giving Gent’s keeper Davy Roef no chance but to pick the second ball out of his net.

Right on the half hour mark Milson spotted the keeper off his line as he tried curling a right foot shot that landed on the roof of the goal. Noah Fadiga who earlier on had a shot that crept wide of Orlando Mosquera’s goal, dribbled into the area in the 44th minute but his shot come cross rolled across the face of goal. The fourth official indicated one minute of added time just before Gent were handed a free kick near the corner of the area, but the Panamanian keeper collected with ease Julien De Sart’s attempt of the cross and the halftime whistle sent Maccabi into the dressing room with a 2-0 lead.

Second Half

While Robbie Keane made no changes at the restart, his counterpart Hein Vanhaezebrouk made a double change as Malick Fofana and Jordan Torunarigha replaced Ismael Kandouss and Andrew Hjulsager.

Gent began the second half the better side as Mosquera was forced to charge off his line to block Tarik Tissoudali but as Maccabi struggled to clear the danger Julien De Sart cut the deficit with a fierce drive to make it 2-1 on 49.

In the 54th minute Dan Biton was put through but Roef managed to push the midfielder’s left foot shot out for a corner.

Biton was then penalized for a late challenge on De Sart which earned him a yellow card in the 58th. But right on the hour mark, Biton’s through ball to Zahavi sent the Maccabi captain through as he fired in his second on the night and Maccabi’s third goal.

Maccabi could have increased their lead even further in the 72nd minute as a counter attack which began with Enric Saborit and continued with Milson and Kanichowsky only for Zahavi to miscue his pass which didn’t reach Peretz.

Kanichowsky required medical treatment after a clumsy challenge by Jordan Torunarigha that earned the Gent defender a booking on 78.

Biton took the resulting free kcik which bobbled in front of the keeper before Roef was able to collect. Kanichowsky limped off and was replaced in the 82nd minute by Eyal Golasa as Keane made his first change.

Gent rattled Mosquera’s crossbar, while Roef denied Zahavi a hattrick as he tipped his shot onto the crossbar at the opposite end. Dor Turgeman replaced Milson and Osher Davida came on for Zahavi minutes later before Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano blew the final whistle to end the contest.

Bitton: “We must do our best to win”

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Maccabi returned to Serbia for the final Conference Leaue Group stage match which will see them host Belgian outfit KAA Gent at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola. On the eve of the match which will decide the winner of Group B and whoever advances to the Round of 16, Nir Bitton, spoke at the pre-match Press Conference. Watch

Watch: Robbie Keane ahead of Gent

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Maccabi Tel Aviv host Belgian outfit KAA Gent at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia for a match which will conclude the Conference League group stage and decide the winner that advances to the Round of 16.

On the eve of the match, Maccabi’s Head Coach, Robbi Keane, faced the Belgian media and spoke about that task both he and his players will face against Gent.

Maccabi flew out ahead of Gent

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Maccabi hosts KAA Gent, for the final Conference League group stage match which was relocated to the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia following the war in Israel.

With Gent currently leading the standings ahead of Maccabi, the match is set to decide the identity of the group winner which will advance to the round of 16 while the runner-up will play in the round of 32. Robbie Keane’s charges have 12 points, one a drift of Gent as only a victory could see Maccabi capture top spot. When both teams met earlier in the campaign, Gent inflicted Maccabi their only defeat so far this season, losing 2-0 in Belgium on October 5th. Two days later the Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, a fact which led to all European home matches relocated abroad. Despite all that Maccabi recorded three victories beating Zorya twice in Poland and Serbia as well as Breidablik in Iceland.

Prior to the departure, the team continued their preparations for the encounter with the Belgians as they held their final pre-match training session at Kiryat Shalom. At Ben Gurion Airport the team were joined by Maccabi’s Basketball team and shared a historic flight to Belgrade where they host their matches in the Euroleague.

An emotional candle lighting in wartime

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Maccabi Tel Aviv FC held this evening (Monday) a candle lighting ceremony on the fifth Hannuka night at Bloomfield stadium. This year the Maccabi tradition had a different atmosphere in the wake of the war Israel is currently experiencing. Around 300 family members of fans who were murdered, killed in action, taken hostage, wounded or evacuated following the deadly terrorist attack of October 7th.

 

Maccabi’s CEO, Ben Mansford and club captain, Sheran Yeini, spoke on behalf the club while Yaron Dushi whose son Rotem Dushi was killed in action, Dikla Shimriz whose son Alon is still held hostage in Gaza – all delivered emotional speeches.

Israeli TV host, actor, and Maccabi fan, Guy Zu-Aretz, whose nephew Ilay, was murdered at the SuperNova party together with his close friends Yonatan Zeidman and Liam Shrem, performed some songs. Besides the entire first team playing and coaching staff, club employees, members of Ahim Lasemel and Maccabi Fanatics were all in attendance.

“The events of 7 October will forever be cast in darkness and a cloud may remain until every hostage and soldier are back home” Ben Mansford said, “Last week, I was fortunate to spend time with Gal and Tal Goldstein. Despite all that they had been through, it was immensely uplifting to hear that one of Gal’s first requests to his waiting Israeli soldier was to know the Maccabi results against Zorya. We should take that remarkable spirit into the coming months. We are in a uniquely special place to continue to support all those affected by the 7 October and to bring light to those who need it the most.”

Club captain, Sheran Yeini addressed the families and said: “We know you have all suffered and still suffering in a way which is indescribable. Hanukkah is the festival of lights, and we are obliged to make you happy in any possible way you could think of. To the families of the hostages, I can say that if there is any way in which we can assist in any way or influence in any way we are here. If you may think of a kid who needs help a family, a kibbutz that needs restoring, a shoulder to lean on or someone to talk to – we are here. We are all available and will and make you as happy as we possibly can. Maccabi Tel Aviv is a family and now you are all part of the family.”

Yaron Dushi, whose son Rotem (20) was killed in action on October 7th shared his story: “Rotem was a die-hard Maccabi fan, with a combat soldier’s season ticket who even managed to attend the final two matches before the black sabbath. I am standing here on behalf of the yellow families and would like to thank this amazing and glorious club. From the first moment, you put your arm around us and knew to send players and representatives. At the Shiva’a we had many people who came to console but at the pinnacle of our excitement was the Deputy CEO, Daniel Levy and Dor Peretz walked in. When Dor walked through the door, we told him how Rotem would have been delighted to meet him. He was so humble, modest, with so much emotions and empathy. We learned to know that Maccabi is club that hugs you, embraces you and gives you a bit of light during our darkest period. We were really touched when you invited us to light the Hanukka candles and shed a light on every one of the fans who are not with us today. We would like to wish a speedy recovery to those wounded and hope that the hostages return to us soon. Yalla Maccabi, Am Ysrael Chai.”

Dikla Shamriz, the mother of Alon who was abducted from kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7th and has been held hostage in Gaza since: “Our Alon has been held hostage for 66 days by Hamas. Sixty six days, of endless longing. Maccabi is part of us and we are part of the Maccabi family. We are asking you (the players) every time you walk onto the pitch to remember that part of everyone’s family is still there. When you get a chance to talk to influential people or people that could influence – do it. Just raise the topic to ensure that everyone knows that there are kids who are still held hostage. We are all playing for his speedy return, that everyone would return, and that he will get to see you all together with his brothers at his second home here in Bloomfield”.

Will remember forever: Adir Portugal R.I.P

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Adir Portugal, (23) was an officer of the Givati Infantry Brigade’s Shaked Battalion, who also served in a variety of significant roles. After completing five years of military service, Adir was released in August 2023 and flew to South America with his girlfriend, Daniel, a week later. Adir managed to travel for two months before receiving the news on October 7th that his company commander was killed in battle at the Gaza strip surrounding communities and expressed his desire to return. He caught the first flight from Peru’ landed back in Israel where he picked up his uniform and drove to his base to pick up a weapon before even being called up.

He was part of the first forces who went into Gaza for the ground maneuver, fought bravely in the Northern Gaza strip before falling in battle at Jabalya on November 19th 2023.

Adir supported Maccabi from a young age, was a season ticket holder together with the rest of the family who followed Maccabi in Israel and overseas, before joining the IDF for his national military service. He loved playing football and was an exceptional athlete. He played at professional level until the age of 16, captained his side and continued to play with his close friends every Saturday when he returned from the army at weekends. Adir even used to organize football matches on his military base.

Adir had a perfect smile, he was brave, strong funny and sophisticated. There is nothing he couldn’t deal with – “To be always first no matter what” – this is who he was as he could never lose, always win.

Wherever he would go, he was always the most loved by everyone. During the Shiva’a, we heard numerous stories about Adir we didn’t know of. About the girl he helped on a flight to South America and on the mother whose son was a soldier serving under Adir who looked after him. So many stories that tell his tale, his kindness, generosity, his care and empathy which just typified him.

We love and remember him forever.

Dor Peretz reaches 300th appearance landmark

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Maccabi recorded a 3-2 victory away to Bnei Sakhnin at Doha stadium for a match that supplied several landmarks as Dor Peretz celebrated his 300th Maccabi appearance. Peretz, almost had a perfect celebration but was denied a goal which was ultimately given as an own goal for Sakhnin’s keeper, said after the match: “To make my 300th appearance in Maccabi’s colors is an occasion worth celebrating. It symbolizes a journey, a period of time and I wish to continue celebrating higher appearance numbers alongside the team’s achievements”.

 

On the two late goals Maccabi conceded which allowed Sakhnin to get back in the game, Peretz added: “We need to progress and not allow such things to happen. Overall, we had a very good game, we dominated the match and had a 3-0 lead, but something happened that completely changed the momentum allowing Sakhnin to get back in the game. We can’t let that happen, especially when you have such a comfortable lead. The feeling was good, but we should maintain that and allow ourselves to enjoy it rather than end up chasing the game.

Peretz, who scored 7 of his 11 goals this season in the Conference League, turned his attention to Thursday’s group decider against Gent in Serbia: “Every match in Europe has an extra significance these days. Besides the fact we represent our club, we are representing our nation and would really like to make our fans and all those supporting us happy.”

400 goals, 170 at Maccabi: the staggering numbers of Zahavi

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Eran Zahavi’s illustrious career continues to write new chapters in the history books as last night the 36-year-old forward reached another landmark. Zahavi scored Maccabi’s third goal in the 3-2 victory away Bnei Sakhnin which was his 400th career goal as now is the time to dive into phenomenal figures. Zahavi’s career began in the 2006/07 season as his 400 goals were scored during 18 seasons at 6 clubs as well as the Israel national team.

Maccabi Tel Aviv: 170 goals
Guanzhou: 103 goals
Hapoel Tel Aviv: 41 goals
PSV Eindhoven: 37 goals
Ramat Hasharon: 13 goals
Palermo: 2 goals
Israel national team: 34 goals

Over the years Zahavi scored 4 goals in one game on two occasions, 16 hattricks and 55 braces.

Maccabi’s 170 goals were scored in 229 appearances in all competitions – with an average of 0.74 goals per game.

103 of Zahavi’s goals at Maccabi were scored with his feet in open play, 42 penalties, 17 headers and 8 free kicks.

Zahavi scored 34 goals from outside the area, 78 from the penalty box and 16 from the 5m box.

Zahavi, who joined Maccabi in January 2016, scored over his six seasons at the club:

2012/13 – 8 goals

2013/14 – 37 goals

2014/15 – 36 goals

2015/16 – 51 goals

2022/23 – 26 goals

2023/24 – 18 goals and counting

Zahavi is ranked 3rd in the all-time Maccabi goal-scorers chart with Benny Tabbak (175) and Avi Nimni (220) ahead of him.

Zahavi is also ranked 3rd amongst Maccabi’s goal scorers in the league with 124 goals with Shiye Glazer (131) and Avi Nimni (174) ahead of him.

In the all-time top-flight goal scorers, Zahavi is ranked 10th with 151 goals to his name.

During his time at Maccabi, Zahavi scored against 37 different opponents with Kiryat Shmona (17) the team he scored most and also scored four against in one game.

Zahavi’s fastest goal at Maccabi was scored in the 2nd minute during the 3-0 State Cup Semi Final victory over Maccabi Ahi Nazareth in 2015.

His latest goal at Maccabi was scored in the 102nd minute from the penalty spot in last season’s 2-1 league victory away to Hapoel Be’ersheva.

Zahavi: “I think on how to help the team and the records just follow”

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Eran Zahavi registered this evening another landmark in his illustrious career on Sunday night. The 36-year-old forward reached the 400-career-goal landmark as his second half volley at Doha stadium helped Maccabi to a 3-2 victory over Bnei Sakhnin. At the end of the match, Zahavi, who set up Maccabi’s opener and volleyed home the third to take his tally to 17 goals in all competitions this season, said at the end: “It is an undoubtedly impressive achievement, but the most important thing is that it came with three points.”

Zahavi, who saw his side take a three-goal lead before conceding twice and ending the match with a narrow victory, added: “It is an important victory at a tough ground. It is always tough here and the managed to come back into the game and give us a scare. We played a relatively good game. It is just a shame we conceded and got ourselves under pressure towards the end. But the important thing is that we are leaving here with 3 points, and we could now focus on the task which awaits us on Thursday.”

Zahavi, who already holds the Israeli record for the number of league goals scored in one season (35), and is also Israel’s national team all-time top goal-scorer (34), added: “Throughout my career I have been concentrating on doing my best to help my team. This is my work, to bring the points and the records just follow. You keep updating me every time of another record to break and I just set it as my target. Let me know what is next and we will set as my next target.”

Ahead of the crucial Conference League MD6 match in Serbia against Belgian outfit Gent which would decide the winner of Group B, Zahavi summed up: “On Thursday we have a very important match which would show the team’s character. We would like to win that match as well, but in Gent we face an excellent side. We must be ready to work extremely hard to improve on the things we didn’t do that so we could stand a chance of winning the group. It is not going to be easy but we will be giving everything we have and go for broke.”