What was was, now is the time for Europe. Maccabi Haifa does not have time to think too much about the disappointing loss yesterday (Saturday) in the Champions League against Hapoel Beer Sheva, because already this coming Wednesday a high and significantly important hurdle awaits it – Olympiacos.
In fact, and regardless of the result of the pair of games against the Greek rival, the champion will start her European journey this week, which will include at least six games. Yes, six.
As mentioned, Haifa will open its way in the European frameworks already on Wednesday in the second round of the Champions League qualifiers, when the goal is clear – immigration to the next stage. But it is important to note that even in the event of a relegation, a scenario is certainly possible given the strength of the opponent who awaits the Israeli champion, the journey of the Greens will be far from over.
In fact, a fall against Olympiacos will lead to participation in the third round of the Europa League qualifiers, from which the Greens will be two stages away from qualifying for the home stage. In the event of relegation in the third round, Maccabi Haifa will be relegated to the playoff round of the Conference League. In short, all Haifa needs is to go through one group in its European journey to ensure a home stage.
Now, it’s time to put in order the possible rivals that await the Israeli champion in the next round, whether she climbs over the high Greek hurdle or finishes her way in the qualifiers for the most prestigious factory in Europe.
So, if Haifa gets the ticket to the third qualifying round, it has five options, the champion is expected to have an easier draw than the one it received in the second round. The reason: the Greens will get the high ranking of Olympiacos, and therefore will be ranked. As a result, the Greens’ options will be as follows: Apollon Limassol (Cyprus), the winner between Franzvaros (Hungary) and Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia) or the winner between Ludogorets (Bulgaria) and Shamrock Rovers (Ireland).
But if the Greens are eliminated against Olympiacos, Haifa’s options will be many. In fact, the 10 relegated from the second qualifying round of the Champions League will be able to meet each other when their ranking does not matter. Therefore, at this stage it is very difficult to assess which of the 18 teams that may reach this stage will meet the champion.
Still, to the extent that she will be rejected by Olympiacos, these are the options that Maccabi Haifa will face in the third qualifying round of the Europa League:
Franzvaros (Hungary) / Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia)
Dynamo Zagreb (Croatia) / Skopje (Northern Macedonia)
Ludogorets (Bulgaria) / Shamrock Rovers (Ireland)
Krabach (Azerbaijan) / Zurich (Switzerland)
Helsinki (Finland) / Victoria Plzen (Czech Republic)
Linfield (Northern Ireland) / Bodo Glimt (Norway)
Zalgiris (Lithuania) / Malmo (Sweden)
Maribor (Slovenia) / Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova)
Pionik (Armenia) / Dudlange (Luxembourg)
