Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv is preparing in earnest for Wednesday’s contest (17:00) against Czech side Sigma Olomouc in the return leg of second round Youth Champions League play. The match will be held at Ramle Stadium and although there is no charge for entrance, every fan must have a ticket to enter the facility which can be picked up at the north ticket windows.

Guy Tzarfati’s Under-19 squad was then drawn against Sigma Olomouc in the second round and drew 1:1 in the Czech Republic. The host’s took a 1:0 lead in the 68’ while Shalata found the equalizer in the 87’ as he made his way by three defenders and found the back of the goal from 13 meters.

Tzarfati spoke about his club’s upcoming match:
“We have been preparing for this match as we always do for every game, from the players to the staff. But we’ve also put an emphasis on the tactical side of the game.”

Advancing to the next round:
“We know that a goalless draw will be enough for us to advance but we are preparing for a match that will have goals and we are taking that into account. The most important thing in these types of matches is to come with a lot of confidence and not to think about the result in the first leg, but with the goal of advancing to the next stage.”

Adrenaline pumping:
“I don’t think that the right word is excitement but readiness. The players have paid attention to us from the tactical side and the mental side of the game. I’m sure that as the contest approaches the adrenaline will really start pumping and that’s how it’s supposed to be.”

Maccabi’s future on display:
“I want to send a message to all of the Maccabi fans to come out and support us and come see the young players. It’s a chance to see that there is a future for the young Israeli player, especially those at Maccabi Tel Aviv. I’d be happy to see the fans come out and watch us, I hope to see everyone in Ramle.”

This will be the team’s first official match since going on break nearly three weeks ago as they will look to advance to the Playoff Round of the competition. Should they move on, Maccabi “Shachar” would be drawn against a team that finished in 2nd place of the tournament’s group stages with the potential to face one of the well known teams from Europe.

Two and half weeks ago, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv played the first leg of their second round UEFA Youth Champions League tie against Sigma Olomouc in the Czech Republic. The young Yellow & Blue drew 1:1 before heading out to the international break. Since returning the team has had full training session in preparation for the return leg on Wednesday November 27th, 17:00 at the Ramle Stadium.

Please note: Entrance to the match is by ticket only (free). Tickets will be distributed on Matchday by the northern gate of the stadium.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv advanced to the second round of UEFA Youth Champions League action after falling in the first leg of the first round to Anzhi Makhachkala 2:3 as Eduardo Guerrero and Mufleh Shalata scored for Maccabi. The second leg saw the young Yellow & Blue defeat Anzhi Makhachkala 3:0 to advance on aggregate 5:3 thanks to a hat trick by Guerrero (7, 90, 90).

Maccabi “Shachar” was then drawn against Sigma Olomouc in the second round and drew 1:1 in the Czech Republic. The host’s took a 1:0 lead in the 68’ while Shalata found the equalizer in the 87’ as he made his way by three defenders and found the back of the goal from 13 meters.

On Wednesday, Maccabi “Shachar” will look to advance to the Playoff Round when they face Sigma at the Ramle Stadium at 17:00 in the return leg. Should they make it past Sigma the Under-19 side will be drawn against a team that finished in 2nd place of the competition’s group stages.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv (U19)
After drawing 1:1 in the Czech Republic against Sigma Olomouc in the first leg of second round UEFA Youth League action the Under-19 side will be on a 3-week break. The Israel Premier Youth League returns to action in December while the second leg will take place on November 28th at 17:00 at the Ramle Stadium.

Hapoel Rishon Le’Zion 3:1 Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv (U17)
Following a 5:0 win over Maccabi Herzliya last week, the Under-17 side fell for the first time this season on Matchday 10. The loss keeps the young Yellow & Blue in 1st place with a 6 point gap to second. An early goal by Shaked Navon wasn’t enough for Head Coach Eliezer Ben Aharon who summed up the contest: “This was one of those matches that had loss written all over it. Many of the players weren’t at their best and the result speaks for itself. We will have to learn how to do things better. We have a large staff that will look into why we had a performance like this. We are still in first place with a good lead which we have to maintain and increase. We will turn our attention to the next training session with the desire to learn and improve as the league goes on a two week break.”

Maccabi Petah Tikva 1:2 Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” (U16)
The Under-16 squad picked up another win against Maccabi Petah Tikva on Matchday 11 of league play. The young Yellow & Blue defeated the 2nd place side thanks to goals by Oral Azarzar and Ariel Belhassen just before the final whistle. Head Coach Eran Sassi summed up the dramatic win: “This was a very aggressive match by both sides. We played against a quick and technical team which made us spend a lot of time on the defensive side of the game which was good as the players returned to their positons and played tough defense. Unfortunately one defensive error ended up in a goal for the host’s and they took the lead. However, we knew how to comeback despite their lead and we played patiently until the end of the game and due to this we were able to get in a few good attacks which resulted in the winning goal in injury time. Congratulations to the players, I’m proud of them.”

Gadna Tel Aviv 0:8 Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv
The Club’s Under-15 team maintained first place as they defeated Gadna on Matchday 9 of league play. Oskar Gluch x2, Ido Mizrahi x2, Lior Aloni, Nehorai Davush, Eliran Avisar and Amit Tzur scored for the young Yellow & Blue. Head Coach Ori David spoke about the win: “We played against a defensive team that had 10 players behind the ball which made the match move slowly and we had a tough time finding the back of the goal in the first half. However, in the second half we exploded and played fantastic football. The players who came off the bench made the difference and I’m happy about that as the team spirit won this game with a lot of support from the whole squad. I’m proud of the players.”

Guy Tzarfati, the Under-19 Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv Coach looked back at his squad’s 1:1 draw at Sigma Olomouc in the first leg of second round UEFA Youth Champions League action:

“In short, this was a good result. We played against a good team at their home and we had a long trip to get here which wasn’t easy with bus rides and getting to the hotel late. It was great that we had a good second half and that was very good to see the players perform well both individually and as a team. We were able to draw even at 1:1 and now we have three weeks to get ready for the return leg. This was just the first half and the second half awaits us.”

About the match:
“We gave too much respect at the start of the match to both the tournament we are in and the opponent. We made some mistakes in the middle of our defense that allowed them some chances. Our keeper Or Itzhak made some saves that helped them out along with the bar saving a goal. But we played a good second half and I’m optimistic. I explained to them that when we played our football and our system that we’ve played in the past there’s no question that we couldn’t go forward and create chances. I’m happy that we were able to do that as the guys are young and play with passion.”

Showing their quality:
“I told them before the match it doesn’t matter who we are playing but we have to show our qualities and I’m happy that we were able to do that in the second half and that we scored a goal. In fact, during our best minutes we actually gave up a goal. But we knew how to comeback as the substitutes knew their roles and now we’ll head back to Israel and we have enough time to prepare properly for the next match.”

Mufleh Shalata’s goal:
“I believe he made a nice play to score the goal. He came into the match properly and we knew that he would be a substitute who could give us a goal. He works hard and I’m happy for him along with the other players.”

The importance of the fans:
“I hope that the Maccabi fans will come out to see the young players and how they play as they are the future of the team and the club. I know we didn’t disappoint them the last time they came to see us play. We will really need them when we play against Sigma at Ramle as they are a good team. We played here in front of a good crowd that helped their team and I hope that will be the same case in Ramle to help us advance to the next stage.”

The Under-19 squads European Journey continues when they play Sigma Olomouc on Wednesday at 17:00 Israel time in the Czech Republic. The match will be the first leg of a two legged UEFA Youth Champions League tie for Maccabi “Shachar” after they disposed of Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala in the first round. Head Coach Guy Tzarfati’s team continued their preparations in earnest for the contest as they held their final training session ahead of the match at the Andruv Stadion.

After arriving in Prague earlier in the day, the team travelled to the city of Olomouc and following a short rest, the squad went to the stadium for their training session as Tzarfati looked ahead to tomorrow’s contest:

“We’re playing against a team that also advanced to the stage and they did so admirably. This will be a tough match but we enjoy challenges. I hope that we can record a good result in the first half which is in essence the first leg.”

Recording a good result in the first leg:
“Every time when there is a two legged tie it’s always important to get a good result in the first leg. Of course this is an away match and it’s always good to play the decisive match at home, but what’s important right now is the first leg and what will be on the pitch here. I hope we can bring home a good result.”

About Sigma Olomouc:
“They are a very good team and have four players who also play for the first team with them who are playing especially in the Champions League contests. They are quality players, string and have proper technique. They also have some dynamic attackers who scored in the first two games. We will have to put an emphasis on set pieces as their is a gap between us and other cubs in Europe. However, we can counter this tactically and with determination. Those are some of the factors we need to bring into the match.”

Final thoughts:
“The hope is that we can play well, look good and bring home a good result so that the tie can be decided back in Israel.”

After advancing over Anzhi Makhachkala in the first round of UEFA Youth Champions League play, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv will face Sigma Olomouc in the Czech Republic on Wednesday at 17:00 in the second round. This morning, the young Yellow & Blue departed for the contest and later today the club will hold their final training session ahead of the match.