Goals from Vladimir Dvalishvili and Bamidele Yampolsky took Maccabi Haifa a step closer to the money-spinning group stages of the Champions League as they beat Maribor 2-1 in the third qualifying round first leg on Wednesday night.
Yampolsky came off the bench to give the Israeli champions a slender lead ahead of next Tuesday's second leg takes place in Slovenia.
Haifa got off to a dream start when striker Dvalishvili converted a penalty after being brought down by Arghus eight minutes into the game.
The visitors levelled midway through the first half at the Kiryat Eliezer Stadium when Marcos claimed what could prove to be a crucial away goal, with a low strike into the bottom corner.
Yampolsky, who had replaced Mohammad Ghadir at half time, settled the match with a cool finish following an incisive through ball from Dvalishvili.
Haifa: Boijan Shranov (sub: Nir Davidovitch 46), Jurica Buljat, Idan Vered, Talb Twatha, Weaam Amasha, Eyal Golarsa, Ali Osman, Mohammad Ghadir (sub: Bamidele Yampolsky), Andriy Pylyavskyi (sub: Sari Falach 82), Vladimir Dvalishvili, Eyal Meshumar (capt). Subs not used: Haim Magrashvili, Shadi Shaban, Shlomi Azulay
Goals: Vladimir Dvalishvili 8 (pen), Bamidele Yampolsky 70
Booked: Eyal Golarsa 52, Idan Vered 81, Nir Davidovitch 84
Match stats:
Haifa:
Goals: 2
Shots on target: 2
Shots off target: 5
Corners: 1
Offsides: 1
Fouls: 21
Cards: 3
Yellow: 3
Red: 0
Maribor
Goals: 2
Shots on target: 2
Shots off target: 7
Corners: 3
Offsides: 1
Fouls: 11
Cards: 3
Yellow: 2
Red: 0
