Match context and lineup
In the second matchday of the Europa League group stage, Maccabi Tel Aviv visited the TSC stadium in Bačka Topola, Serbia, to face Dinamo Zagreb. The Yellow subsided into a rotated lineup after a fast, which had just ended hours before kickoff. Three Israelis started: Roi Mefati, Roy Rabibo, and Said Abu Farha, as Maccabi aimed to balance readiness with squad depth for European combat.
First half: lead, quick equalizer, and turning points
The hosts began with the better tempo, pressing high and controlling early phases. Maccabi struck first in the 14th minute when Ben Lederman threaded a through pass to Abu Farha in the box; his shot beat the keeper and rolled home for 0-1.
Two minutes later, a defensive miscue by Ali Kamara gifted Dinamo Zagreb a chance. Matej Lisicic pounced on the loose ball from outside the area and fired a low strike that slipped past the goalkeeper, leveling the score at 1-1.
Just three minutes later, Zagreb completed a quick turnaround. Dejan Ljubicic received a through ball, took a touch into space, and finished low into the corner to put the visitors ahead at 1-2, a deficit that Maccabi would not overturn before the break.
As the half ended, Dinamo Zagreb carried the initiative, and Maccabi’s defense faced continued pressure. The home side entered the locker room just a goal to the good, with momentum shifting toward the visitors as the tempo slowed for a moment.
Second half: attempts to salvage a result
After the break, Maccabi pushed to level the tie, bringing on fresh legs in the 63rd minute in a bid to inject energy and creativity into the attack. Despite sustained pressure and several promising forays, the Yellow were unable to find the finishing touch that would bring them back on terms.
The persistence of Dinamo Zagreb finally paid off again in the 72nd minute when Ljubicic struck from outside the box for his second of the night, curling a powerful shot past the keeper and making it 1-3. The goal effectively sealed the result as Zagreb’s defense held firm under late pressure from Maccabi.
What this means for Maccabi
The loss marks Maccabi Tel Aviv’s first defeat of the Europa League group stage this season. While the rotated lineup aimed to manage fatigue following a fast, the team still faced a technically sharp Zagreb side that exploited small errors and capitalized on its moments in the final third.
Looking ahead, Maccabi’s next European fixture is scheduled for October 23, when they host their Croatian opponents again (listed in reports as Mitiulan). Domestically, the team will be back in league action on Sunday, taking on local rivals Maccabi Haifa in a high-stakes derby.
