Summary courtesy of “Sport 1”
In the end, despite a bit of an accelerated pulse in Cyprus, the expected confrontation – became official: Maccabi Haifa will meet Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League qualifying playoffs, and is (theoretically) 180 minutes away from a third appearance in its history in the group stage of the prestigious European enterprise. The greens qualified despite losing tonight (Tuesday) 2:0 against Apollon Limassol in GSP, the star – for its part – did the job with a smooth 0:2 victory over the Armenian Pionik.
Meanwhile, the Serbian media are already preparing for the challenge that awaits Belgrade in the playoffs. Under the title “She’s not a demon, but we have to be careful” – “Sportska” analyzed the greens, ahead of the double match in the Champions. “Haifa is definitely not a scary team, and Red Star is better on paper, but they will have to prove it on the field.”
Naturally, the Serbs named the local defender Bogdan Palanić, and Barak Becher keeps the 3:3:4 system. “This is an ultra-attacking team,” they claimed there, “in the local league, and also in the European arena, it is a disciplined team, which is especially dangerous in passing attacks. Striker Piero is a constant threat against the opposing defense, with Omar Atzili, Dean David and Dolev Haziza also threatening from the wings. The ‘brain’ of the group he planted Lavi, in the back.”
They also looked for the shortcomings of the Serbs and said: “There are also quite a few goals, which were exposed tonight in Cyprus in several situations. The greens lost quite a few balls, there was quite a bit of space at the back, and the Red Star has the tools to punish it. For sure, Dejan Stankovic (the coach) and his team will follow the greens, and will be able to attack the weak sides of the Israeli team.”
After the end of the match against Pyunik, Red Star coach Stankovic also commented on his next opponent in Europe: “We expect a good and strong match. It will not be easy, but it is never easy to reach the Champions League. We will be strong, we will be ready, and however hot it will be In Israel – it will be hot here too, Europe is a challenge for all of us.”