The Jewish Chronicle

Zahavi sends Maccabi into Champions League group phase

August 25, 2015 22:13

ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro

1 min read

Slavisa Jokanovic says Maccabi Tel Aviv have fulfilled a big dream after progressing to the group stage of the Champions League following a nail-biting second leg against Swiss champions Basle.

Having scored two important away goals in Switzerland in last week's playoff round first leg, there was a vibrant atmosphere around the Bloomfield Stadium ahead of kick-off on Tuesday night.

However the ground was stunned into silence after 11 minutes when Luca Zuffi fired the visitors ahead with a superb free-kick.

But parity was restored 13 minutes later when Eran Zahavi, Maccabi's two-goal hero from the first leg, pounced to draw the hosts level.

Both teams created further chances but there were no further strikes meaning Maccabi went through on away goals to reach the group phase for the first time in 11 years.