Maccabi Tel Aviv Aims to Seal Europa League Progress with Lineup Changes in Batumi

Maccabi Tel Aviv arrived in Batumi ahead of their Europa League second qualifying round second-leg match against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday at 19:00. After a commanding 5-0 victory in the first leg last week, the Israeli club is confident but remains focused. Coach Kenny Miller has been urging the players to maintain humility and respect for their opponents, emphasizing the importance of securing another European win.

Miller is expected to make a notable change by starting Leo Varela for the first time this season, potentially replacing Itamar Noy. This adjustment would see Ido Shahar, who played left side in the previous matches, move to a central midfield role alongside Issouf Sissoko. The team is also eager to experience the Batumi stadium, which has become their home ground this summer, replacing last season’s venue in Backa Topola, Serbia.

Approximately 1,000 Maccabi Tel Aviv fans are expected to attend the match, although many supporters have opted out, confident the team will advance and planning to attend the next round in Batumi. If Maccabi Tel Aviv progresses, they will face the winner of the tie between Qarabag from Azerbaijan and CSKA Sofia from Bulgaria.