Maccabi Tel Aviv Starts Strong With 5-0 Win Over Sheriff Tiraspol in Europa League Qualifier

Maccabi Tel Aviv delivered an impressive start to their 2026/27 season by defeating Sheriff Tiraspol 5-0 in Moldova, following their earlier domestic successes including a win over Hapoel Be'er Sheva and securing the Champion of Champions title. This dominant victory puts Maccabi Tel Aviv close to advancing to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.

In the match, coach Kenny Miller made two changes to the lineup that had started the season's first two games, including the first start since returning from the World Cup for Helio Varela, who replaced Itamar Noy. This adjustment shifted Ido Shahar from the left wing to central midfield. The team was without Tyrese Asante and new striker Astr Sukler, who is ineligible to play until next week.

Maccabi Tel Aviv will also monitor the second leg between Qarabag and CSKA Sofia, as the winner will face them next week in Batumi. The first leg between those teams ended in a 0-0 draw in Azerbaijan.

The starting lineups were as follows: Maccabi Tel Aviv fielded Ofek Malika, Roy Revivo, Mohammed Ali Kamara, Raz Shlomo, Noam Ben Harush, Issouf Sissoko, Ido Shahar, Dor Peretz, Shagiv Yehezkel, Helio Varela, and Said Abu Farhi. Sheriff Tiraspol started with Emil Timbur, Danila Porov, Bouarma Pomba, Bai Assan Sis, Rai, Mamouto Junior Adreogo, Arli Forgioni, Doraso Klass, Miguel Mota, Konan Louko, and Samba Kona.

This match marked Varela's debut in the starting lineup for the 2026/27 season.