Maccabi Tel Aviv secured a spot in the Europa League league phase with a 3-2 aggregate win over Dynamo Kyiv, despite losing the second leg 1-0 in Lublin, Poland on August 28, 2025. Eduardo Guerrero scored early for Kyiv, but Maccabi held firm to advance, marking a key moment in their European campaign amid a busy soccer season.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The second leg started with high energy as Dynamo Kyiv pushed to overturn the 3-1 deficit from the first match. Guerrero, a former Maccabi player, found the net just five minutes in from a corner kick, giving Kyiv hope and putting pressure on the Israeli side.
Maccabi responded with solid defense, limiting Kyiv’s chances even as both teams traded attacks. The game stayed tense, but Maccabi’s backline stood strong, ensuring their aggregate lead held up. This victory highlights Maccabi’s resilience in European qualifiers, where they have shown tactical discipline under coach Zarko Lazetic.
Fans watched closely as the match unfolded in a neutral venue due to ongoing regional issues, adding extra layers to the contest. Kyiv created several opportunities, including a near miss by Guerrero soon after his goal, but poor finishing kept the scoreline at 1-0.
Aggregate Victory and Path to Advancement
Over the two legs, Maccabi dominated the first match with a convincing 3-1 win, setting the stage for their progression. Goals from key players like Eran Zahavi and Dor Peretz in the opener proved decisive, showcasing Maccabi’s attacking flair.
The aggregate triumph means Maccabi now enters the revamped Europa League format, facing eight matches in the league phase. This setup replaces the traditional group stage, aiming to increase competition and excitement for teams and fans alike.
Here is a quick breakdown of the two-leg tie:
| Leg | Date | Venue | Score | Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | August 21, 2025 | Serbia (neutral) | Maccabi 3-1 Kyiv | Zahavi (2), Peretz (Maccabi); Yarmolenko (Kyiv) |
| Second | August 28, 2025 | Lublin, Poland | Kyiv 1-0 Maccabi | Guerrero (Kyiv) |
| Aggregate | – | – | Maccabi 3-2 Kyiv | – |
This table shows how Maccabi’s strong start carried them through, even with the second-leg setback.
Upcoming Challenges in Europa League
Maccabi Tel Aviv drew a tough set of opponents for the league phase, blending established European clubs with rising teams. They will play four home games in Serbia and four away, navigating a packed schedule that tests squad depth.
The draw includes matchups against:
- PAOK from Greece, known for their passionate fans and solid defense.
- Dinamo Zagreb of Croatia, a team with recent success in European competitions.
- French side Lyon, bringing Ligue 1 quality and attacking talent.
- Aston Villa from the English Premier League, adding high-profile excitement.
- Italian club Bologna, fresh off a strong Serie A season.
- German teams Freiburg and Stuttgart, both competitive in the Bundesliga.
- Denmark’s Midtjylland, a side with a history of upsetting bigger clubs.
These games start in September 2025, with Maccabi aiming to finish in the top 24 to advance further. Experts predict a challenging but achievable path, given Maccabi’s current form.
Broader Context in Israeli and Ukrainian Soccer
This win comes at a time when Israeli clubs face scrutiny amid global events, yet Maccabi has focused on the pitch. Protests and calls for bans have surfaced, but the team pushed forward, emphasizing sportsmanship.
For Dynamo Kyiv, the loss ends their Europa League hopes, shifting focus to domestic leagues and potential Conference League play. Ukrainian soccer continues to thrive despite challenges, with teams like Kyiv showing grit in international ties.
Recent seasons have seen similar dramatic qualifiers, such as Kyiv’s past runs in the Champions League. Maccabi’s advancement boosts Israel’s coefficient in UEFA rankings, potentially earning more spots for future campaigns.
Impact on Fans and Future Outlook
Supporters of Maccabi celebrated the aggregate win, even as the second leg brought tension. Social media buzzed with reactions, praising the team’s composure under pressure.
Looking ahead, Maccabi balances this European run with domestic duties. In the Israeli Premier League, they aim to defend their title, starting strong against rivals like Hapoel Beersheba, who recently won big.
This victory could spark momentum for Maccabi, inspiring younger players and drawing global attention to Israeli soccer.
What do you think about Maccabi’s chances in the league phase? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article to fellow soccer fans for more discussion.
