Preview:
Maccabi returned to the Partizan stadium in Belgrade for the Europa League MD6 against Latvian side RFS Riga hoping to build on the victory over Besiktas in the previous round. After five matches Maccabi have 3 points and are looking for a result to keep their hopes of qualification alive.
Maccabi’s Head Coach Zarko Lazetic made several changes from the side that was held to a 1-1 draw by Hapoel Haifa earlier this week. Roy Misphati kept his place in goal in goal with Raz Shlomo and Nemanja Stojic lining up as the two central defenders in front of him. Idan Nachmias returned to the side at right- back while Roy Revivo completed the defensive line at left-back making his first European start since recovering from a knee injury. Joris van Overeem returned to the anchorman role with Gabi Kanichowsky and Dor Peretz making up the midfield trio. Hisham Layous and Weslley Patati supplied the width on both wings while Dor Turgeman led the line and spearheaded the attack.
On the bench Lazetic named goalkeeper Simon Sluka, Avishay Cohen, Stav Lemkin, Tyrese Asante, Eran Zahavi, Sagiv Jehezkel, Yonas Malede, Elad Madmon, Henry Addo, Ofir Davidzada, Issouf Sissokho and,Osher Davida
First Half
The cold weather conditions and temperature just above zero in Belgrade didn’t seem to phase bot sets of players or the fans who vocally supported their teams at the Partizan stadium.
The Latvians’ appeared to have adjusted better to the elements as Janis Ikaunieks charged forward for a counter attack six minutes from the start but was stopped by a Raz Shlomo perfectly timed tackle. Seven minutes later Lasha Odisharia was teed up on the edge of Maccabi’s penalty box, but his right foot effort sailed over Roy Misphapti’s crossbar. Three minutes later at the opposite end Maccabi took the lead as Idan Nachmias rose high above RFS’ defenders to meet Weslley Patati free kick and head the ball past Fabrice Ondoa.
In the 25th minute Maccabi came close to double their lead at the end of a slick move which saw Dor Turgeman slip the ball to Dor Peretz. With only Ondoa to beat, Peretz tried lifting the ball over the advancing keeper who saved but that wouldn’t have counted in any way as the Maccabi captain was caught offside.
With no change until the halftime whistle, both teams went off to the dressing to warm up and prepare for the second period.
Second Half
Maccabi began the second half on the front foot as Peretz won a free kick on 51 before Gabi Kanichowsky teed-up Turgeman who lost his footing before blasting his shot over the crossbar. A minute later though Kanichowsky lost possession as he charged for a counter attack and RFS hit on the break as Robert Savalnieks was sent clear by Stefan Panic before burying his shot into the bottom far corner to draw level. Raz Shlomo limped off in the 57th minute and was replaced by Stav Lemkin.
Six minutes after the hour mark, Patati tried his luck with a long range effort but the Brazilian’s shot sailed high over the crossbar.
Odisharia was booked for a foul on Patati in the 68th minute before the 21-year-old winger picked himself up to cross the free kick into the box. Just like Maccabi’s first goal, Patati’s free kick was met by a defender, this time Nemanja Stojic who flicked the ball into the far corner to restore the lead.
In the 77th minute Lazetic made a double substitution as Kanichowsky was replaced by Issouf Sissokho while Sagiv Jehezkel came on for Hisham Layous.
In the 88th minute Darko Lemajic had an effort on goal but Mishpati stretched himself to deny the RFS forward.
Shortly after the fourth official signaled seven minutes of added time, Lazetic made his two final changes with Osher Davida and Elad Madmon came on for Patati and Turgeman.
In the final minute of added time the ball was launched into the area before Mishpati came out and collided in midair with an opponent. The referee was called to the screen by the VAR before awarding RFS a penalty which Ikaunnieks stepped up to take. But Mishpati redeemed himself as he saved the spot kick to secure the victory.
