Two years after that penalty against Sarpsborg in the Europa League Playoff, Eitan Tibi came full circle tonight (Wednesday). The 32-year-old central defender played an integral part in the Champions League 3rd qualifying round 1-0 victory over Dynamo Brest which secured a Europa League berth in the event of elimination against Red Bull Saltzburg.
“What happened in that match wasn’t easy for me” Tibi said, “This was coming full circle for me and a very happy one. I am delighted to have secured a European berth with Maccabi. Let me tell you another thing. My late dad attended that game and it was his penultimate match so I said today that ‘no matter what, i must do absolutely everything in order to advance through. I am delighted, as i achieved this small victory. We achieved it”.
Ahead of the two legged tie against Saltzburg, Tibi added: “There are matches that you can afford not to look too good but t ok give everything you have got. They are clearly an excellent side. We fully believe in our ability. I have no doubt we could do it. We will have to show much better form. Chances like we created today, we will have to score”.
Itay Shechter added: “Qualification to the Group stages is something the club hasn’t done for a while. This is something which is very important for Israeli football. After winning two League titles it was important for us players as well as the Club to show that we belong to the European circuit. We are happy and delighted now but in less than a week we are awaiting another massive war”
