Maccabi Tel Aviv Takes Early Lead Against Sheriff Tiraspol in Europa League Qualifier

Maccabi Tel Aviv began their 2023-24 European campaign with a strong start, taking a 1-0 lead against Sheriff Tiraspol in the first leg of the second qualifying round for the UEFA Europa League. The match took place in Tiraspol, Moldova, where Maccabi arrived in high spirits following their recent 3-1 victory over Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the Israeli Super Cup. Coached by Kenny Miller, Maccabi is favored to advance, as Sheriff ranks over 60 places below them in the UEFA club rankings.

The game kicked off with intensity, and Maccabi scored early in the 5th minute when Ido Shahar delivered a precise cross to Said Abu Freih, who headed the ball into the net. Maccabi continued to press, with Shagiv Yehezkel narrowly missing a chance shortly after. Sheriff responded with a strong header from Jaider Aspia Moreno, saved well by Maccabi goalkeeper Ofek Melika. The Moldovan side showed resilience but also received a yellow card for a foul by Baia Sis in the 17th minute.

Maccabi's lineup featured key players such as Ofek Melika, Itay Ben Hamo, Mohammed Ali Kamara, and Dor Peretz, while Sheriff fielded Emil Timbur, Baia Sis, and Jaider Aspia Moreno among others. This was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, though Sheriff has previous experience facing Israeli teams, having been eliminated by Hapoel Be'er Sheva in 2016-17 and Maccabi Haifa in the current season's Champions League qualifiers.

The match remains open, with Maccabi holding a narrow advantage as both teams prepare for the second leg. Sheriff aims to overturn the deficit on home turf, while Maccabi seeks to build on their positive momentum in European competition.