Maccabi Haifa – Slovan Bratislava : Preview & Prediction
Maccabi Haifa holds a slim one-goal advantage after the first leg of this UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie against Slovan Bratislava, amid its quest to secure back-to-back appearances in the group stage of the premier club competition for the first time in its history. The Greens have won four of their five matches in the Champions League this season (P1), and three of those games, including the first leg of this clash, ended 2-1 in regulation time.
All three of last week’s goals were scored in the first 15 minutes of the match, where Maccabi could have had a greater advantage had it not been for some poor finishing in the closing stages. Although those missed chances could cause nerves, Maccabi can take comfort from their record of only two defeats in their last 12 home matches in the competition (G8, E2), especially knowing that they need only a draw to extend their stay in this edition of the UEFA Champions League.
Slovan Bratislava last played at this stage of the UEFA Champions League in the 2014/15 edition, when they eliminated Sheriff Tiraspol after winning the first leg 2-1. Now, the Slovakian champions have a big task on their hands in Israel, with a possible transfer to the Europa League playoff round a consequence of failure. Coincidentally, their home league match last weekend ended in a 2-1 win, a scoreline Vladimír Weiss’ men would not mind getting on this trip to at least force extra time.
The visitors can be confident of their chances considering they have not lost consecutive UEFA Champions League matches in the same campaign since August 2009. If that doesn’t boost their morale, a run of four straight away wins in the competition should keep spirits high, with two of those victories coming by a 2-1 scoreline.
Key battle: Dia Saba scored a goal and provided an assist in the first leg, giving the midfielder (one goal, two assists, one yellow card) a couple of busy Champions League games. Slovan goalkeeper Milan Borjan was rested over the weekend, giving him time to reflect on his disappointing personal record against Maccabi, a team against whom he has conceded seven goals in three games (E1, P2).
Key stat: The first goal came in the first 30 minutes of the game.
Maccabi Haifa – Slovan Bratislava : Betting Tips
Maccabi Haifa – Win Odds: 1.45
