Maccabi Tel Aviv, representing Israel, has successfully secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League playoffs by claiming a 1-0 triumph at home against Cyprus’ AEK Larnaca in the second-leg match of the third qualifying round.
Following their overall victory against AEK Larnaca with an aggregate score, achieved after a 1-1 draw in the previous week’s encounter in Larnaca, Maccabi is now gearing up to face NK Celje from Slovenia in the forthcoming playoffs.
In an engaging match witnessed by a crowd of 26,000 at Tel Aviv-Yafo’s Bloomfield Stadium on Thursday evening, Maccabi’s captain Eran Zahavi had several opportunities to score, notably in the fourth and 24th minutes. The 42nd-minute goal by Adam Gyurcso was unfortunately disallowed by Croatian referee Fran Jovic due to an offside infringement, as reported by Xinhua.
Eran Zahavi continued to press forward, coming close to finding the net in the 72nd minute, only to be denied by the post. A goal by Hrvoje Milicevic for Larnaca was nullified due to an offside call in the 81st minute.
The decisive moment arrived in the 86th minute when Zahavi confidently converted a penalty kick. This opportunity arose after substitute midfielder Milson was fouled by Milicevic within the penalty area.
With this victory, Maccabi Tel Aviv secures its passage to the next stage of the UEFA Conference League, showcasing their determination and skill on the football field.
–IANS
