Maccabi Facts: Getting ready for the semi-final

We’ve gathered a few anecdotes ahead of the semi-final encounter in Teddi Stadium between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Akhi Nazareth.

It is almost time.  The yellows are back at the semi-final stage, ten years after the last appearance. This time we will play Maccabi Akhi Nazareth. So hereby is some information we would love to share with you. Did you know that…?

Back to Teddi: Maccabi’s last victory in the capital was in December 2013.  Paulo Sousa’s yellows won 2-1.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvdiIuinOUU

All stays in the family: While Moanes Dabbur is excelling in Switzerland, his brother Anas Dabbur would be playing for Akhi Nazareth on Wednesday night.

The X factor: Two former Maccabi Tel Aviv players, Alan Masudi and Gal Nir are now playing for Akhi Nazareth.

Right foot start: Goalkeeper Gal Nir had his Maccabi debut between the posts on August 7th, 2004 against Akhi Nazareth’s hometime rival, Hapoel Nazareth Illit, in the Toto Cup. The yellows won 4-0.

The responsible adult: At age 37, Alan Masudi is the oldest player at Akhi Nazareth’s squad. Up next is veteran Savity Lipenia (36).

On route to the final? Maccabi Tel Aviv won eight out of its nine  semi-final meetings since the 90s.

Glass half full: Ido Exbard is staring at Akhi Nazareth this season with 18 league goals. So far the northern team scored 46 goals in the National League. Exbard is also leading the scoring charts in the Cup with five goals.

Back to the future: Maccabi Tel Aviv’s last victory over Akhi Nazareth was in December 2003. Aldo Adorno’s gave Maccabi a 1-0 victory. Since then the two clubs met three more time-drawing twice and losing once.

Expats: Two foreign players scored Maccabi’s winning goals against Akhi Nazareth. Aldo Adorno (1-0) and Bruno Reis (2-0). Both games were played in 2003/4.

The first date: The only meeting between the two clubs in the in the State Cup was in 2001. The Yellows beat the northern team 3-0 with goals by Rodrigo Goldberg, Tal Banin and Baruch Dego.

There’s always a first time:  This is Maccabi Tel Aviv’s first semi-final appearance in ten years. For Akhi Nazareth it would be the first time at this stage.