Maccabi Tel Aviv Dominates Sheriff Tiraspol in European Qualifier Opener

Maccabi Tel Aviv, fresh off winning the season's first title by defeating Hapoel Be'er Sheva, continued their strong start by thrashing Moldovan runners-up Sheriff Tiraspol 5-0 in their opening European match. The game took place on Thursday as part of the UEFA Europa League qualifiers. Despite fielding a lineup without new signings, Maccabi scored early with Said Abu-Faraj netting in the 5th minute. Dor Peretz doubled the lead in the 29th minute, and the team went into halftime comfortably ahead. The scoring spree continued after the break with Shagiv Yehezkel scoring in the 53rd minute, Abu-Faraj adding his second goal in the 74th, and Sisoko sealing the 5-0 victory five minutes later.

This result matches Maccabi's largest away European win, previously a 5-0 victory in 2021, and virtually guarantees their progression to the next round of the competition. It also renders the second leg next week in Batumi, their temporary home ground for European fixtures this season, unnecessary. The dominant performance underscores Maccabi's strong form as they embark on their European campaign.