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“It’s just half time, we certainly have a lot more to do. But a two-goal away lead is very important to 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 international world of crown football. Despite the lockdown 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.
“It worked less well 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 still had his legs in the game for both goals, saw “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 counts 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.
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 played.”
Marsch also emphasized this. “We were sure even before the game that it would not be easy against our opponents.” Then he seemed satisfied. “Of course it can be said that the rival has many difficulties with the situation in Corona and misses players. But with the heat, against a good rival, a champion who was undefeated last year (in the league, note), already 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 on the lucrative queen class: the entry fee alone is around 15 million euros. “We have to believe that something is still possible in Salzburg, compete with confidence in ourselves and represent our club in the best possible way.”
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