Infoinsport.com – Maccabi Haifa is in control as they prepare to host Slovan Bratislava in Tuesday’s Champions League third qualifying round at the Sammy Ofer Stadium.
The Greens achieved an impressive 2-1 victory in their previous match in Slovakia and are aiming to prevent any potential Bratislava comeback in the upcoming game.
Last week, there were three goals in the opening 15 minutes at the Tehelne Pole Stadion, which promised more excitement. However, no other team managed to score, resulting in Maccabi’s 2-1 victory.
The eventual result was influenced by the goals scored by Frantzdy Pierrot and Dia Saba, and the strikers may perform their roles again on Tuesday.
Messay Dego’s team has already faced competitive action in the Champions League and domestic Super Cup, defeating Beitar Jerusalem 3-1 in the latter in the final week of July, while the Israeli top division is yet to begin.
After experiencing the group stage of Europe’s top club competition for the first time in 13 years last season, the Greens are aiming to participate in the highest level of European competition for two consecutive years, despite knowing that the winner of this week’s game will still have to go through a playoff round.
The Israeli team has claimed victories in both Champions League games played at home, and securing a third win will be enough to achieve their short-term goal of advancing to the deciding round in qualifying.
Despite that, Slovan Bratislava will view Maccabi’s tendency to concede at the Sammy Ofer Stadium as a positive sign before their match on Tuesday.
Even though they have claimed victories over Hamrun Spartans and Sheriff Tiraspol, the Greens have let in a goal in each of the games.
Additionally, the club from Israel only secured a clean sheet in the 2023-24 season during the first leg of their initial qualifying round encounter with Hamrun. This 4-0 victory in early July provides optimism for a favorable result.
The Sky Blues, who have not reached the third qualifying round since 2014-15 and have never played in the group stage under the current format of the competition, are now facing a challenging obstacle in overcoming their past.
It is interesting to note that Vladimir Weiss’s team has managed to win both away games in qualifying without allowing any goals. The victories were achieved with scores of 1-0 and 2-0 against Swift Hesperange and Zrinjski, respectively. These wins have further reinforced the Slovakian side’s confidence in advancing on Tuesday.
Maccabi Haifa vs Slovan Bratislava Prediction
Maccabi Haifa possible starting lineup:
Nitzan; Sundgren, Seck, Goldberg, Cornud; Khalaili, Mohamed, Jaber, Refaelov; Saba, Pierrot
Slovan Bratislava possible starting lineup:
Borjan; Pauschek, Kashia, Bajric, Lovat; Kucka, Savvidis, Kankava; Cavric, Abubakari, Zuberu
Maccabi Haifa 2-1 Slovan Bratislava (Maccabi win 4-2 on aggregate)
If Maccabi wins another home game, they will likely secure their progress to the playoff round, causing Slovan to suffer. The away team will be unable to replicate their previous victories in Israel.
