Maccabi Tel Aviv will continue their European journey this evening (Thursday, 20:00) at the Netanya Stadium against Radnicki Nis from Serbia in the first leg of Europa League second round qualifying.

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In the video: Highlights of the win over Ferencvaros

Vladimir Ivic’s side will continue on their path to the group stages of the Europa League after defeating Ferencvaros of Hungary 2:1 on aggregate in the first round of qualifying. Just ahead of the opening whistle of the second round, UEFA held the third round draw and determined that the next foe for the two sides would be the winner of Tobol Kostanay of Kazakstan and Pyunik from Armenia.

Radnicki will be the first Serbian club that Maccabi will face in European play and they advanced to this round after defeating Maltese outfit Gżira United FC 5:0 on aggregate from the two legged tie. The Serbian side also began domestic league action and won their first match of the season 3:1 over Proleter Novi Sad.

Head Coach Ivic addressed the media ahead of the first leg at the prematch press conference: “Radnicki may not have the name but they are very difficult and strong team. We must be ready to give 100% in both games to make it past the next stage. Our target is to win the game and play disciplined from the first to last minute. We want to give our best to get the best result. All of the players are ready.”

Midfielder Dor Peretz also looked forward to the first leg against Radnicki: “I think we are looking better every match and our goal is to advance to the next round. But right now we have to focus on the match at hand against Radnicki. Together with the support of our fans that is what we want to do.”

Fast facts:

• Israeli clubs have played 7 matches against Serbian sides. The record: 3 wins, a draw, 3 losses.
• Radnicki returned to European play after more than 30 years on the sidelines. The last time the Serbian outfit featured in continental play was in 1984.
• In 2006/07, 3 Serbian players appeared for Maccabi in the same season – Milan Martinovic, Miljan Merdakovic and Dejan Ilic. That was the most foreigners from one country over the course of a single season along with Russia (1997, 1998, 2000) and Brazil (2005) and Spain (2014).