The Maccabi Haifa soccer club clinched a berth in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) playoffs at the expense of Slovakian champions ŠK Slovan Bratislava, after winning their series 5-2 in front of the home crowd in Sammy Ofer Stadium.
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The Israeli champions for the past three years triumphed 2-1 in Slovakia last week and nailed a 3-1 win on Tuesday in front of a 30,000-strong green crowd and will face Swiss champions BSC Young Boys in the playoff round.
In the 29th minute, Tjaronn Chery delivered a magnificent cross right into the penalty area. Frantzdy Pierrot of Maccabi Haifa seized the opportunity, perfectly connecting with the ball, and executed a powerful header that found the top corner of the net, besting goalie Milan Borjan, Haifa leads 1-0. Pierrot scored his 5th goal in the qualifying phase, earning him the top scorer title thus far.
Seizing the lead had an immediate calming effect on the team, and the home side began to apply pressure in their quest for a crucial second goal that would effectively secure their advantage. Once more, it was Chery who demonstrated his finesse, skillfully threading a precise pass through the opposing defense. Dia Sabi'a wasted no time and struck the ball into the net with conviction, extending the lead, 2-0 for the Greens.
Maccabi's late first-half goal seemed to shatter Slovan Bratislava's confidence, hindering their momentum after the break. Maccabi dominated possession and appeared more likely to score again, while the visitors struggled to gain traction. As the game neared its end, Slovan seemed resigned, while Maccabi continued to threaten counterattacks. The drama continued with late goals exchanged: Marko Tolić found the net for Slovan, but Maccabi sealed their lead with a fantastic long-range strike from substitute Dean David, guaranteeing a 3-1 victory.
Maccabi Haifa must overcome BSC Young Boys in the upcoming final UCL play-off to book their spot in the Champions League group stage. If successful, it will mark their second consecutive year advancing to this stage, a historic achievement for the Israeli club.