Maccabi Tel Aviv Advances to Third Round of Europa League Qualifiers After Narrow Win in Batumi

Maccabi Tel Aviv secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday in Batumi, advancing to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. The sole goal came from a set piece by Roy Revivo, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Sheriff. Despite the win, the Israeli cup holders acknowledged the need to improve their offensive performance ahead of their next challenge against CSKA Sofia, scheduled for the following Thursday in Batumi.

The first leg had been much easier for Maccabi, with a 5-0 win, but the second match proved tougher. The club views the narrow victory as a positive step but recognizes the importance of raising their level to secure a European season. The new Batumi stadium hosted nearly a thousand Maccabi fans, who enjoyed the modern facility after the team relocated from Bačka Topola.

Maccabi officials emphasized the significance of the upcoming tie against CSKA Sofia, noting that a win would guarantee at least a spot in the UEFA Conference League. They also highlighted the need for greater attacking quality, especially in the front line, where improvements are expected. The team debuted new signing Livio Warlé in the starting lineup, who showed promise despite some rust.

Meanwhile, Maccabi continues to seek a foreign right winger following Amir Saheti's departure and is engaged in ongoing negotiations to acquire new foreign players. Defender Tyrese Asante, who did not travel to Georgia due to health reasons, has attracted offers from Italy, but the club is holding out for a higher transfer fee than the approximately three million euros currently offered.