It was clear that more was expected from Maccabi Tel Aviv in the first leg against Hamrun Spartans (2:1). On neutral ground in Serbia, they are set to take control of possession and aim to score before the break — the team will want to guard against any unnecessary risks if they concede.
The shock Champions League qualifying elimination by Cypriot side Pafos (2:1 on aggregate) — with the drama of the second leg ending 0:1 — was a blow for Maccabi. In Malta, the Tel Aviv side snatched victory in stoppage time through substitute Elad Madmon, though they largely played on the back foot (9-12 in shots). With only a narrow lead, Maccabi Tel Aviv should avoid sitting deep again — the opposition are capable of striking back at any moment.
Like their current Europa League qualifying opponents, Hamrun Spartans also fell out of Champions League contention in the previous round, suffering heavy defeats to Dynamo Kyiv (both legs ending 0:6). Unlike those encounters with the Ukrainian champions, the team tried to take the initiative on the ball against Maccabi, but lacked the quality to make it count. Hamrun Spartans are valued at just €4.6m — about the same as a single player in the opposition ranks, Dor Turgeman.
On neutral ground in Serbia, after addressing their mistakes, Maccabi Tel Aviv should leave Hamrun Spartans no chance. Backing the nominal hosts with a handicap looks the right call.
