Maccabi Ashdod Returns to European Competitions After Four-Year Absence
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Maccabi Ashdod is returning to European volleyball competitions in the Challenge Cup, playing its first matches in Croatia against Mladost Osijek after a four-year absence. The team secured a league win before its European debut. Due to security concerns, both matches will be held consecutively in Croatia. Coach Noam Katz and setter Noam Ariel expressed excitement and readiness for the challenge.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Ashdod returns to European volleyball competitions after a four-year break.
- The team will play its first Challenge Cup matches against Mladost Osijek in Croatia.
- Two consecutive matches against the Croatian opponent will be held due to security issues in Israel.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv also prepares for its European Challenge Cup campaign.
- Other Israeli league teams like Maccabi Hod Hasharon and Maccabi Rehovot secured league wins.
After a four-year hiatus, Maccabi Ashdod is set to rejoin European volleyball competitions, beginning its Challenge Cup campaign against Croatia's Mladost Osijek in Croatia. The team's return to the European stage comes after a series of domestic league matches.
Maccabi Tel Aviv secured a clean 3-0 victory over Hapoel HaMa'apil/Emek Hefer/Menashe, preparing for their own European opener against Turkey's Istanbul Genclik in the Challenge Cup. Both of Maccabi Tel Aviv's matches against the Turkish side will be held in Hungary.
In other league action, Maccabi Hod Hasharon returned to winning ways with a 3-1 defeat of Maccabi Ashdod, following recent losses. MS Ayalon defeated Hapoel Husam Nazareth 3-0 in a family derby between coaches Samaan Samaan and Sahar Samaan. Maccabi Rehovot continued their strong performance with a third consecutive win, beating Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Ata 3-1.
Maccabi Ashdod's European debut will feature two consecutive matches against Mladost Osijek on Wednesday and Thursday, both held in Croatia due to security concerns preventing home games in Israel. Coach Noam Katz expressed excitement about the return to European play, though disappointment at not being able to host fans. He acknowledged Osijek as a strong opponent with a rich history.
Setter Noam Ariel also shared his enthusiasm for his first European campaign with Maccabi Ashdod, anticipating tough games and expressing confidence in the team's preparation despite the challenge of playing two consecutive matches abroad.
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