According to striker Barak Itzhaki, scorer of Maccabi's equaliser against Bordeaux, the squad always believed they could win, and complimented his teammates: "This is a team with a big heart"
After a short history of seven matches in the group stage of the Europa League without a victory, Maccabi Tel Aviv recorded their first (and somewhat unexpected) triumph, a 1-2 away win against one of the most experienced European competitors in France, FC Girondins de Bordeaux. They fell behind early in the second half but striker Barak Itzhaki and young midfielder Dor Micha turned the match, played at Bordeaux's Stade Chaban-Delmas Stadium, on its head, much to the delight their head coach Paulo Sousa: "I am very satisfied with the result and proud of my players who came from behind, scored two goals and won. When I first took on the job as head coach here I saw it as my first task to improve the tactical ability of the players and when they understand what it is they have to do it's much easier for them to understand the system and apply it in playing positive and attractive football. Both my priorities and those of the club are first all the league but every result counts and we're making history that will have an influence on the future".
Maccabi's sports director, Jordi Cruyff, complimented the team but is already looking ahead to the next league match: "I'm proud of all the players, who have reacted so well to all of the demands and the tactical changes brought in by (head coach) Paulo (Sousa). Now we'll have to continue to stand firm, put the jersey back on and give it our all to get three points at Ashdod".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRmizBVII4E&feature=c4-overview&list=UU-oWQqnf8B8a_TsmVi0mTUg
Scorer of Maccabi's 71st minute equaliser, striker Barak Itzhaki, had this to say at the end of the match: "This was a difficult away tie against a strong side, physically in particular, and despite the fact that we fell behind early in the second half we got back into the match and we're glad for that. We outplayed them from the very start of the match, we created chances, we believed in ourselves from start to finish and the players deserve all the kudos. Today we were worth more than the two goals, this team has a big heart and we played a difficult match against an excellent side".
Scorer of the matchwinner, young midfielder Dor Micha, also had something to say at the end of the game: "I'm extremely chuffed to be part of a team that made history and chalked up their first victory in the group stages of the Europa League. It makes no difference to me whether I start on the pitch or come off the bench – what's important is to take advantage of the time I get and give it everything for every minute I'm out there".
