Maccabi Tel Aviv dropped two valuable points in the race for the league title as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Bnei Sakhnin at Doha. The point gained extended Maccabi’s lead at the top of the table to five points from second place Maccabi Haifa that hosts Saturday’s top of the table clash at Sammy Ofer. Ofir Davidzada faced the media at the end of the match and said: “We dominated the match and started the second half really well, scored the goal we wanted but the red card changed our plans”, the 33-year-old defender related to Felicio Milson’s dismissal in the 61st minute.
“We have four matches still left to play, with every match a final, so this title race will go all the way to the wire as we face a top of the table clash on Saturday” Davidzada said before adding: “We will leave what needs to be done in terms of preparations to the coaching staff who knows what needs to be done. We understand the meaning of this match, understand the rivalry as I know that professional footballers wait all season for matches like this. Such matches are fun, as one should enjoy them and come to win”.
On dealing with the fact the gap at the top stands on five, Davidzada said: “We are professional footballers and reached where we are at for a reason, so everything here is mentally strong. We have a coaching staff that knows to prepare us in the best possible way so everyone one of us needs to do whatever needs to be done and come prepared. We understand the importance of this match, we are ready for it as this is why we all play football”.
