The 31-year-old keeper kept a clean sheet for the sixth time this season in the league as Maccabi beat Beitar Jerusalem 1-0 at Teddy stadium and record their sixth successive victory on all competition. Maccabi’s 18th win in the league extended the lead at the top to five points, as Mishpati acknowledged the team effort: “We came here with the intention to win no matter what. We arrived here on the back on a match in Europe as we all know these transitions are never easy – so I am delighted we collected the three points. I think the coaching staff prepared us really well and we had a game of character. There are matches you need to win by defending well and keeping a clean sheet.”
On the support of around 7000 fans who travelled to support the team in Jerusalem, Mishpati added: “It was amazing to see them all here. They cheered us on right from the warm-up and I am delighted they could all return happy with a smile on their faces” as he stressed that the focus will now shift to the return leg against Olympiacos in Serbia: “We are already setting our sights on Thursday.”
