Maccabi Tel Aviv Frustrated by Draw, Blame Themselves for Lost Points

Maccabi Tel Aviv experienced significant disappointment following their 0-0 draw at home against Bnei Sakhnin, marking their first dropped points of the season. The match, considered relatively easier than previous fixtures, saw Maccabi lose two crucial points in the championship race, leaving players disheartened. "We are solely to blame for this draw," one player stated, emphasizing that external factors were not responsible. "We tried, we missed, we worked hard against Sakhnin's goal, and the ball just wouldn't go in. We didn't think we'd lose our first points of the season in a game like this."

Despite creating numerous chances, Maccabi only managed six shots on target. A source within the club noted, "It's not enough to just hold the ball. We need to be sharper." The source added that Sakhnin's defensive strategy was expected, and Maccabi must learn from this type of game, anticipating more similar challenges throughout the season where they might struggle to score despite creating opportunities. "In these games, you have to score from half a chance, and when that doesn't happen, you start chasing and lose points."

However, some within the team found a silver lining, pointing out that in past similar games at Bloomfield Stadium, they had even lost. The fact that they secured a point and did not concede a goal was seen as a small positive in an otherwise frustrating evening. Looking ahead, the team expects to have Hely Varela back in the starting lineup for their next match against Beitar Jerusalem, highlighting his importance to Maccabi's attack after he entered the game as a substitute in the 70th minute following his recovery from an injury sustained during the international break.