I can’t remember a playoff like this in many years, especially one that we’ve been involved in. Thrilling, exciting and intense where at the end of the day I believe we’ll have the upper hand.
We have a tremendous amount of desire to keep our championship streak intact. Naturally, this season has been a bit more difficult due to the fact we participated in the Champions League, but it’s also an opportunity to be one of the sweetest years if we can achieve all of our goals.
All season long we’ve been close to the top of the league and within striking distance of first place. Now’s the time to prove who Maccabi really is and that we’re the best.
Our opponent this evening is one who has given us problems all year long in league play. Beitar Jerusalem defeated us at Bloomfield which is something that we are definitely not used to. The match in Teddy ended in a draw and this is the only team that we haven’t been able to beat this season. Beitar is a good club, dynamic and young. Of course, just like all of the younger teams that come and play against us, they want to prove that they can beat us. Just like in any other game, and especially this evening, we must prove to everyone that we are the superior side.
We’re very well aware that the gap between us and Beer Sheva is now just two points from first place following their draw on Saturday, but first and foremost we must turn to ourselves. No, this isn’t a cliche it’s reality. It won’t help us if another club drops points and we don’t take points that we have to as well especially at home. Tonight we have an amazing opportunity. This is the type of match that we have to take upon ourselves and do what needs to be done. From now on, each match will be more difficult than the next but this is the only way now, during the season’s money time that we’ll be able to secure the championship.
We had a rough time last match against Hapoel Raanana and it’s because of you, the fans who cheered us on and rallied us the whole match that we were able to pick up this very important win. In the lockerroom we talked about how all of you helped us achieve the result that we needed in that game and tonight we will need you even more. You give us a tremendous amount of energy and faith and I believe that you’ll also be a huge part of the result that we expect to take home this evening.
Omri
