Maccabi Tel Aviv Eliminated From European Competition in August for First Time Since 2022
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv was eliminated from European competition in August after losing to FC Lugano in the Conference League playoff, marking a disappointing summer under owner Mitch Goldhar. Despite leading against a ten-man Lugano, defensive mistakes led to their defeat and exit from Europe. The club faces criticism and uncertainty about its domestic prospects this season.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Tel Aviv eliminated from European competition in August for first time since 2022.
- Lost 2-1 to FC Lugano despite Lugano playing with ten men.
- Defensive errors by Noam Ben Harush and Ali Mohamed Kamara led to Lugano’s equalizer.
- Criticism targets management and players for poor summer and preparation.
- Failure to qualify for Europe casts doubt on Maccabi’s chances for Israeli league title.
- Potential late signings unlikely to reverse the club’s poor start this season.
Maccabi Tel Aviv was knocked out of European competition in August for the first time since 2022 after losing 2-1 to FC Lugano in the Conference League playoff. The defeat marks the end of one of the worst summers under owner Mitch Goldhar, following earlier elimination from the Europa League qualifiers and a heavy 3-0 loss to CSKA Sofia in Georgia. Despite Lugano playing with ten men and Maccabi taking an early lead through a penalty by Dor Peretz, a defensive error by Noam Ben Harush and a poor challenge by Ali Mohamed Kamara allowed Lugano to equalize and eventually win.
The team had opportunities to push the match into extra time but failed to capitalize, reflecting a broader pattern of poor preparation, lack of quality signings, and a disorganized summer transfer window. Criticism is widespread within the club, from management including Goldhar, Jack Englidis, and Steven Vanharan, to players like Kenny Miller. The club’s failure to qualify for European competition raises doubts about its ability to compete for the Israeli league title this season, even if new foreign players or Gabi Kanikovski return. The club, a prestigious Israeli cup holder, is facing a challenging season after years of European participation, highlighting the need for better planning and squad strengthening.
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