Maccabi Tel Aviv Aims for Historic Win Against Lugano in Conference League Playoff

Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to face Swiss club Lugano in the Conference League playoff round at Lugano Arena. Following their elimination from the Europa League, Maccabi seeks a strong advantage ahead of next week's return leg to secure their continued presence in European competition this season. Since the current playoff format began in 2009/10, Maccabi has reached this stage 15 times, the highest among Israeli teams. This will be their fourth Conference League playoff appearance under coach Kenny Miller, having advanced twice before and been eliminated once by French side Nice in 2022/23.

Lugano will be Maccabi's third Swiss opponent in European history. Previously, Maccabi played eight matches against Swiss teams Basel and Grasshoppers but has yet to win, recording five draws and three losses. Lugano themselves have faced an Israeli team before, playing Hapoel Be'er Sheva four times in European competitions. Currently, Lugano is undefeated this season with seven wins and one draw.

Key players to watch for Maccabi include Lugano’s 35-year-old striker Kevin Bua, who has extensive experience in top European leagues including over 100 Bundesliga appearances, and 23-year-old Swiss international attacking midfielder Daniel dos Santos, who has scored five goals this season. Maccabi hopes to break their winless streak against Swiss clubs and make history with a victory in this crucial playoff match.