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“It’s just halftime, we definitely have more to do. But an advantage with two away goals is very important for us, ”said coach Jesse Marsch, especially the positive after a solid but mediocre performance. Possibly this was also due to the mental challenge of getting to know the new world of international football CoV. Despite lockdowns in Israel and no fewer than nine Maccabi Tel Aviv players testing positive for the corona virus, the tiebreaker took place without spectators.
The absence of the infected initially was not profitable for Salzburg, but it was noticed with a cold shower. Dan Biton gave the hosts, who were dangerous on the fast break, an early lead (ninth). The turnaround in the second half with a penalty converted by Dominik Szoboszlai (49th) and Masaya Okugawa (57th) was due to Salzburg’s superior individual class.
Salzburg won 2-1 in Tel Aviv
CoV or not, the champions of Israel were tough opponents: Austrian champions FC Salzburg had to fight hard in the first leg of the Champions League tie at Maccabi Tel Aviv to win 2-1 at the end . The new entry to the Champions League is already close.
“Everyone can play better with us”
“It worked less good than bad,” admits Szoboszlai. “But the important thing is that we won 2-1. We can all play better, including ourselves as a team. ” The talented Hungarian, who nonetheless got his legs back in the game for both goals, acknowledged “perhaps an advantage” for the opponent in the humid Tel Aviv temperatures. “The weather was strange because not only was it hot, but you just couldn’t breathe.”
Even goalkeeper Cican Stankovic snorted a few minutes after the final whistle after a demanding final phase. He was already watching the second leg, in which the “Bulls” could arrange their second consecutive participation in CL. “The only thing that matters is that we don’t lose the game at home. We are very strong at home, we know our stadium and the temperatures feel 20 degrees lower, that will definitely be an advantage. “
Maccabi surprises with solid performance
The ÖFB team’s goal had many praise for the opponent. “I think Maccabi Tel Aviv was very good. They played very well ”. But he didn’t want to be surprised by the performance. “We were prepared for this team that emerged.” That was also emphasized by Marsch. “We were sure even before the game that it would not be easy against our opponents.”
The Salzburg manager seemed satisfied afterwards. “Of course it can be said that the opponent has a lot of difficulties with the coronavirus situation and misses the players. But in the heat, against a good opponent, a champion who was undefeated last year (in the league, note), that’s a great result. “
Maccabi coach Giorgios Donis praised his team for the special situation. “He gave everything in every phase of the game.” He has not yet given up the lucrative queen category; The registration fee alone is around 15 million euros. “We have to believe that something is still possible in Salzburg, compete with confidence and represent our club in the best possible way.”
