Since the Europa League was introduced in the 2009/10 season the Playoff round was defined as the final encounter before the group stages (Champions League, Europa League and Conference League). Of the 16 seasons this stage is being played, Maccabi will make its’ 13th appearance – the most of the 7 Israeli clubs that reached a Playoff in the various European competitions.
Maccabi advanced from the Playoff and into the group stages on seven attempts, four of which in the Europa League, once in the Champions League and twice in the Conference League.
Twenty-one players scored for Maccabi in the Playoff stage with Eran Zahavi leading the goal charts with 7 goals to his name.
Sheran Yeini made the most appearances for Maccabi at this stage playing in 15 Playoff matches. Yeini, who retired at the end of the 2023/24 season featured more than any of the 96 players who represented the club in the Playoff.
Throughout Maccabi only faced one Serbian opponent in their European history – Radnicki Nis in the 2018/19 Europa League 2nd qualifying round.
A brace from Vidar Kjartansson helped Maccabi to a 2-0 victory in Netanya while Eliran Atar and an own goal saw Maccabi salvage a 2-2 in Serbia.
Overall 11 encounters between Israeli and Serbian clubs took place with a total balance of: 5 victories for the Israeli clubs, 3 draws and 3 defeats with a combined goal tally of 19-14.
