Preview

Maccabi arrived at Bloomfield stadium for the early kickoff MD24 WINNER League home match against Ashdod SC. In what has become a club tradition, Maccabi held a “Retro match” featuring a tribute to the State Cup winning side of 2000/01. To mark that season, and in honor of Meni Levy, who collapsed in the middle of a game away to Beitar Jerusalem 24 years ago, all the players wore the number 12 shirt in an emotional ceremony prior to kickoff. Former Head Coach Nir Levin, and players such as Amir Shelah, Liran Strauber, Avi Nimni, Dedi Ben Dayan, Baruch Dego and the rest of that squadwere applauded off the pitch by the Maccabi fans.

In the meantime, Maccabi’s Head Coach Ronny Deila had a task of guiding the current team back to winning ways following the 0-0 draw against Beitar at Teddy stadium on Monday.

Ofek Melika kept his place in goal with Heitor dis Santos and Tyrese Asante lining up as the two central defenders in front of him. Noam Ben Harush returned to the side at right back while Roy Revivo completed Maccabi’s backline on the left. Issouf Sissokho in the anchorman role was joined by Dor Peretz and Kervin Andrade as the midfield engine room. Emir Sahiti on one flank and Helio Varela on the other supplied the width to Maccabi’s formation in support of Saied Abu Farchi.

On the bench Deila named goalkeeper Roi Mishpati, Ali Camara, Sagiv Jehezkel, Yonas Malede, Elad Madmon, Itamar Noy, Ido Shahar, Itay Ben Hemo and Osher Davida.

First Half

The Saturday afternoon sunshine saw a sell-out Bloomfield stadium almost full to its capacity. Maccabi didn’t take long to create the first chance on goal as a Helio Varela square ball reached Dor Peretz. Maccabi’s captain ghosted in at the far post tried sweeping the ball towards goal. But Ashdod’s keeper Karol Niemczycki hooked it off the line with his foot to deny the visitors from conceding in the fourth minute. Mohamad Aamer was booked by referee Sapir Berman for a foul on Roy Revivo, but it was Ashdod who almost drew first blood. Eylon Almog intercepted an Issouf Sissokho pass in the sixth minute to catch Maccabi’s defense off guard. Eugene Ansah received a cross in the middle of the area and sent a first-time volley which he somehow miscued and struck the post.

In the 25th minute the deadlock was finally broken as Bloomfield erupted to applaud a spectacular team effort. Sissokho released an early ball out of midfield towards Helio Varela whose delicate clever flick played Revivo into the box. Revivo’s perfect square ball found Emir Sahiti at the far post as the Kosovo international winger continued his goalscoring spree by tapping the ball home for his fourth goal in the last five outings.

Sahiti could have doubled Maccabi’s lead two minutes later as he stripped an Ashdod defender of the ball and burst forward. But his attempt to dink his shot over the advancing keeper saw the effort clear the crossbar. In the 37th minute Ashdod were back on level terms as Ibrahim Diakite was left unmarked at the far post to head Ilay Tamam’s corner beyond the reach of Ofek Melika’s stretched arms.

Three minutes later the dual between Peretz and Niemczycki continued as Verela’s cross was met by the right foot of the Maccabi captain. Yet Ashdod’s Polish keeper was at full stretch to save once again. In the 42nd minute however Maccabi restored their lead as Revivo was instrumental with a delicate chip to send Saied Abu Farchi charging. The 19-year-old striker burst forward and from a tight angle managed to bury his shot in the bottom far corner to take his overall tally to 9 goals in all competitions.

Second Half

Deila made two changes after the break as Ali Camara replaced Noam Ben Harush while Itamar Noy came on for Kervin Andarde at the restart. The change saw Tyrese Asante move across to right-back while Noy slotted into the midfield. Noy’s impact was almost instant as in the 49th minute he released Sahiti down the right. The pacey winger squared into the box, Peretz stepped over the ball and left it for Varela who cut inside and curled into the top corner to make it 3-1. Ashdod managed to cut the deficit as substitute Hayford Boahen swept home following a corner. But VAR intervened and called Berman to the screen before Ashdod were awarded a penalty for a Sissokho foul in the box. Eylon Almog sent Melika the wrong way to successfully convert the spot kick and cut the deficit to 3-2 on 57.

Niemczycki denied Peretz with his feet once again as the Ashdod keeper stretched himself across goal to keep out another shot which threatened to go in. Sahiti received a standing ovation by the majority of the 23,413 fans as he came off on 86 while Osher Davida was introduced for the closing stages.

In the 72nd minute Deila made another double change as Sissokho and Abu Farchi were replaced by Ido Shahar and Yonas Malede.

Niemczycki denied Peretz with his feet once again as the Ashdod keeper stretched himself across goal to keep out another shot which threatened to go in. Sahiti received a standing ovation by the majority of the 23,413 fans as he came off on 86 while Osher Davida was introduced for the closing stages.

Malede pulled a muscle and was struggling in the closing stages as Maccabi was forced to defend and prevent Ashdod’s attempts to grab a later equalizer. Berman’s full-time whistle confirmed the victory as Maccabi now have a week to prepare for Saturday’s match away to Hapoel Haifa.

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC is proud to continue its annual tradition and unveil the official Retro Collection for the 2000/01 season, a campaign that brought the State Cup back to Kiryat Shalom and delivered breathtaking football moments that are forever etched in our history.

The 2000/01 season is remembered as one of the most enjoyable and attack-minded in Maccabi’s history. Under the guidance of Nir Levin, Maccabi showcased thrilling football that culminated in a 3-0 State Cup Final victory over Maccabi Petah Tikva. It was a season of standout performances: the historic 10-1 victory over Hapoel Rishon LeZion, the 7-0 thrashing of Beitar Jerusalem, the 4-0 victory over a powerhouse Hapoel Haifa, and of course the 2-0 derby victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Semi-final.

Meni Levy, always with us

A central and meaningful part of the current Retro Collection is dedicated to former Maccabi player Meni Levy. The 2000/01 campaign was Meni’s second season with the senior side, during which he became one of the club’s most beloved and promising players. Meni played an integral role in the achievements of that season, before one of the most painful moments in our history, his collapse during a league match away to Beitar Jerusalem in the following season (2001/02).

As part of the tribute, the new-old kits feature the initials ML in his honor. In addition, all match shirts in the collection will be sold with the number so closely associated with him – 12,  appearing both on the back and the front of the shirt, just as was customary in those years.

What does the collection consist of?

The retro kits were designed with meticulous attention to detail and a strong resemblance to the original attire, including the historic club crest that adorned the team’s shirts in the early 2000’s. The collection includes a Yellow home shirt, a Blue away shirt, a retro jacket, and a matching scarf.

The Retro Collection is now available for purchase at the official online store and at the flagship store at Bloomfield Stadium.

Saturday’s debut on the pitch: vs. Ashdod

In the forthcoming home match against Ashdod on Saturday February 21^st (15:00), the team will wear the retro kits as a one-off basis. For us, this will be an opportunity to honor the club’s history and Meni Levy in a special atmosphere at Bloomfield. Prior to kickoff, a festive on-pitch ceremony will take place to pay tribute to the players and staff of the 2000/01 team.

Don’t miss out: A weekend of nostalgia

Throughout the weekend, we will publish a wide range of exclusive content across the official website, App, and social media channels, revealing the stories of the 2000/01 season. Be sure not to miss the special feature recounting Maccabi’s fascinating journey that year, alongside the moving story of Meni Levy and his path at the club.

Get ready to travel back in time, and for a weekend filled with true retro nostalgia.

 

The tough league run

Maccabi’s 2000/01 campaign began with major changes: after hosting its home matches at the Ramata Gan national stadium, Maccabi returned to Bloomfield Stadium, after four years under Avraham Grant, former national team coach Shlomo Scharf was appointed as Head Coach, Tal Banin joined after returning to Israel from Italy, and the additions of Kobi Refuah, goalkeeper Adam Vezer, Meho Kodro, and Ferenc Horváth. At a later stage, Baruch Dego was signed from Ironi Ashdod and Rodrigo Goldberg also joined from Club de Deportes Santiago Wanderers.

The season began with public spat between Shlomo Scharf and Avi Nimni following a draw against Hapoel Haifa, which led to Scharf’s departure after 2 league matches. Nir Levin arrived from Zafririm Holon and was appointed as head coach. The first league round saw Maccabi finish 8th in the table as the second round in terms of result was just as inconsistent. At the same time, Maccabi showed some impressive attacking form, that included emphatic victories over Tzafririm Holon (6-0) and Ironi Rishon LeZion (10-1).

In the third league round Maccabi improved dramatically with a series of victories, led by Avi Nimni as the team finished fourth in the league with 68 points and 73 goals scored (the highest tally in the top-flight that season). But despite the playoff, the gap created by the indifferent start to the season could not be closed.

An outstanding State Cup journey

On their way to meeting the President for the first time in four years, Maccabi embarked on an impressive State Cup campaign. In the Round of 32, a dominant display saw Maccabi advance past Ironi Ofakim (7-2) with two braces by Tal Banin and Rodrigo Goldberg, and goals from Ference Horváth, Dedi Ben Dayan, and Guy Tzarfati.

Goldberg, Banin and Dego were also on target in the Round of 16 as Maccabi beat Maccabi Ahi Nazareth 3-0. A Ben Dayan brace in a 2-0 Quarter Finals victory away to Maccabi Netanya booked Maccabi‘s place in the Semi Finals where the draw teamed them up for a derby with bitter city rivals and holders Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Maccabi entered this match with a poor run of five winless derbies with Hapoel winning three while two others ended in a draw. Nevertheless, in front of a packed Ramat Gan Stadium, Macabi rose to the occasion as Dego brace ensured a 2-0 victory and a place in the Final.

Maccabi Peta Tikva that surprisingly knocked out reigning League Champions Maccabi Haifa in the Semis, were the opposition in the final. After a scoreless first half, Maccabi’s leading scorer in the Cup (4) headed in the opener following a Dego pinpoint cross. Eli Biton doubled Maccabi’s lead from a tight angle on 76 while Dego added a second assist on the night for Avi Nimni who sealed the 3-0 victory in the 90^th minute. Nimni, who finished as the league’s top scorer with 25 goals, lifted the Cup together with Tal Banin.

The season in numbers

Dedi Ben Dayan and Grzegorz Wędzyński made the most appearances with 41 matches in all competitions. Ben Dayan led in minutes played with 3,674, compared to Wędzyński’s 3,392.

Maccabi’s top scorer this season was Avi Nimni with 27 goals in all competitions. Tal Banin was second with 11 goals while Rodrigo Goldberg and Baruch Dego shared third place with 10 goals each.

Guy Zarafti provided the most assists with 11 to his name. Avi Nimni was two assists behind with 9 assists, while Baruch Dego was third with 8 assists.

The biggest victories of the season were recorded in league action. A memorable 7-0 victory over Beitar Jerusalem at Bloomfield on MD35 stands out, as does the remarkable 10-1 win over Hapoel Rishon LeZion on MD21. Avi Nimni (2), Tal Banin, Kobi Refuah (2), Baruch Dego (2), Ferenc Horváth (2), and Dedi Ben Dayan.

The foreign players we loved

The 2000/01 season featured several names that are now considered legendary, particularly among the foreign contingent. Among the beloved foreign players who wore the yellow and blue shirt that season were Polish midfielder Grzegorz Wędzyński and Chilean striker Rodrigo Goldberg. The season also began with Bosnian striker Meho Kodro, formerly of Barcelona, Hungarian goalkeeper Adam Vezer, Georgian defender Givi Didava, and Slovakian defender Jozef Valachovic, names that became part of Maccabi folklore. Midway through the season, Hungarian striker Ferenc Horváth and Russian winger Andrei Tikhonov joined the squad, contributing to Maccabi’s success in the latter stages of both the league and cup competitions.

There is a saying at Maccabi that says: “Maccabi is a family,” but for some of the greatest players to wear the Yellow-and-Blue shirt, that phrase is much more than a slogan – it’s a daily reality. To mark Family Day, we salute the dynasties that have shaped the club over decades.

The twins of the 1990s: Gadi and Alon Brumer

It’s hard to think of the vibrant 1990s without remembering the Brumer twins. Gadi and Alon rose through the youth ranks and became pillars of the Yellow-and-Blue defense. Together they won league titles and cups, with Gadi becoming one of the greatest center-backs in Israeli football history, while Alon added relentless fighting spirit on the flank and in midfield. Their almost telepathic understanding was their trademark, and to this day they are regarded as icons of excellence and humility.

The goalkeeping dynasty: Ofek, Yaron and Meir Melika

Here we are talking about a true dynasty. Ofek Melika, the club’s promising young goalkeeper, continues a rich family tradition. His father, Yaron Melika, stood between the posts for Maccabi in the 1990s, while his uncle, Meir Melika, was a striker who scored decisive goals. The Melika family roots at Maccabi go even deeper, back to great-grandfather Shmuel, making Ofek the fourth generation of footballers in the family.

The father and son who reached England: Avi Cohen RIP and Tamir Cohen

You can’t talk about family at Maccabi without mentioning the illustrious legacy of the late Avi Cohen and his son Tamir Cohen. Avi is considered one of the greatest defenders, and Maccabists, of all time, even making the move from Maccabi to the great Liverpool. His son Tamir also grew up at the club and became a dominant midfielder in the senior side before embarking on a career in England as well (Bolton), adding further honor to the Cohen family name in the club’s history.

Two yellow Icons: Avi and Meir Nimni

Everyone knows Avi Nimni, the legendary number 8. But younger fans may not know that the path was paved by his uncle, the late Meir Nimni. Meir was a tough and versatile player, a leader and a true team man who won league titles and cups with Maccabi in the 1970s, serving as a role model for his young nephew who broke into the senior side in the late 1980s.

Talent on the wing: Roy and David Revivo

As Roy Revivo burns down Maccabi’s left flank these days, he does so with technique reminiscent of his uncle, David Revivo, who grew up at Kiryat Shalom and was one of the most gifted passers to emerge from the club. Although David spent part of his career outside Maccabi, the family connection, and of course his father, Haim Revivo, one of the greatest of all time, always kept the Revivo name close to the yellow heart.

Decisive goals: Miki and Yonatan Cohen

Another dynasty is the Cohen family. The father, Miki Cohen, was an energetic midfielder and loyal homegrown player in the 1980s, part of major moments in the club’s history, including scoring a decisive goal in the 1988 State Cup final against Hapoel Tel Aviv. Years later, his son Yonatan Cohen became one of the key players of the club’s modern era. Yonatan played a significant role in league title triumphs with spectacular goals and assists, and like his father, he also scored in a derby State Cup final, in the 2020/21 season.

Yellow cult heroes: The Nahman twins

Another pair of twins who generated plenty of interest in the youth department and senior squad in the 1990s were Guy and Ron Nahman. The two, who grew up at the club, were part of extended squads during periods of yellow success and remain remembered as one of the more recognizable sibling duos in Maccabi culture.