Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces Real Risk of European Elimination After Lugano Loss

Maccabi Tel Aviv is grappling with a 2-1 away defeat to Lugano on August 20, 2026, which has intensified concerns about their European campaign. Club officials described the team's performance as lacking creativity, energy, and individual or collective ability, admitting the match could have ended with a worse scoreline. This loss, following a previous defeat to CSKA Sofia, has fueled internal frustration and criticism regarding the squad's depth and transfer strategy.

Coach Kenny Miller made only two substitutions during the game, reflecting his limited options due to the current roster. The club acknowledges the urgent need for reinforcements, but also recognizes that any new signings will arrive too late to salvage their European ambitions. Maccabi Tel Aviv is effectively eliminated from the Europa League and now faces a real threat of being ousted from European competitions altogether. Responsibility is shared among current players and those yet to join the squad, highlighting the broader challenges the team faces moving forward.