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Although Maccabi Haifa are one of the most easily recognised names in Israeli football, the country that stands almost at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa is hardly a nation renowned for its performances in the beautiful game. Indeed, Maccabi are aiming to become the first side from Israel to progress beyond the group stages of the competition.
However, their task looks more than a little awkward, as they have been thrown into a group with two of Europe’s traditional giants – Juventus and Bayern Munich, whom they host on Tuesday evening – as well as under-rated French champions Bordeaux.
Though Maccabi's league campaign only started in mid-August, their European campaign has been raging since mid-July when they hosted Northern Irish side Glentoran in Haifa. They hammered them 6-0 to set the tone for a qualifying run that would also see them sweep past the challenge of FK Aktobe, whom they trailed 3-0 at home before mustering a stunning comeback to progress in the unlikeliest of circumstances, and Salzburg, who were despatched with greater ease.
Tuesday’s match represents a giant step up; suddenly Maccabi find themselves confronted with household names, big reputations and world class players. In order to deal with the occasion, the match has been moved from their usual Kiryat Eliezer arena to the Ramat Gan Stadium in Tel Aviv, which is approximately three times the size.
If a white-hot atmosphere can be mustered at the changed venue, and if Maccabi can make a strong start, they will hope to claim something from this match as it will be their home fixtures that they will aim to win.
However, their task looks more than a little awkward, as they have been thrown into a group with two of Europe’s traditional giants – Juventus and Bayern Munich, whom they host on Tuesday evening – as well as under-rated French champions Bordeaux.
Though Maccabi's league campaign only started in mid-August, their European campaign has been raging since mid-July when they hosted Northern Irish side Glentoran in Haifa. They hammered them 6-0 to set the tone for a qualifying run that would also see them sweep past the challenge of FK Aktobe, whom they trailed 3-0 at home before mustering a stunning comeback to progress in the unlikeliest of circumstances, and Salzburg, who were despatched with greater ease.
Tuesday’s match represents a giant step up; suddenly Maccabi find themselves confronted with household names, big reputations and world class players. In order to deal with the occasion, the match has been moved from their usual Kiryat Eliezer arena to the Ramat Gan Stadium in Tel Aviv, which is approximately three times the size.
If a white-hot atmosphere can be mustered at the changed venue, and if Maccabi can make a strong start, they will hope to claim something from this match as it will be their home fixtures that they will aim to win.
Source: www.goal.com
Let's watch who will be the winner...
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