Six months after Eli Dasa moved from Beitar Jerusalem to Maccabi Tel Aviv, the defender returned to Teddy Stadium to play against his former club for the first time. After 90 hard fought minutes, Dasa and his teammates returned to Tel Aviv with one point as he looked ahead to Sunday’s Derby.

On his warm welcome back at Teddy Stadium:

“I want to acknowledge those who cheered me on my return. There were those who weren’t happy and cursed me out. I understand their frustrations, that I left the team and it was strange going to the opposition’s lockerroom, but I’m happy at Maccabi and I’m looking ahead.”

About  the result:

 “It was a decent match, but we were disappointed because we really needed to take maximum points against Beitar. We expected to pick up more points at Teddy but Beitar Jerusalem played well and had some good opportunities, so all in all the result was a pretty good reflection of the match.”

 The game itself:

 “We weren’t really in the game during the first half. We gave Beitar some small gifts, turnovers that gave them opportunities, but we pulled ourselves together and we were able to draw even at the end of the day, and that’s ok. I think that Beitar stood up to us very well and played a very organized match. It’s true that we needed the points, but sometimes you just take them all. Hopefully, we will take the three points in our next match.”

 The gap between Maccabi and table leaders Hapoel Beer Sheva:

 “I wouldn’t get into this issue to much as we are talking about a 3-point gap. It’s not something that can’t be overcome. We are preparing properly and we will continue to improve. We’re not stressed out because of the gap in points.”