UEFA Europa League – 3rd Qualifying Round Leg 1
Ħamrun Spartans……1
Maccabi Tel-Aviv…..2
Ħamrun Spartans endured a cruel defeat in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie, as Maccabi Tel Aviv struck deep into stoppage time to claim a 2–1 win at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.
The Maltese side dominated for the opening 75 minutes, dictating the tempo and creating the better chances. Their sustained pressure was rewarded in the 70th minute when forward Saliou Thioune dispossessed the Maccabi defence inside the penalty area and was brought down. Referee Kristo Tohver immediately pointed to the spot, and N’Dri Koffi calmly converted from 11 metres to put the Spartans in front.
Ħamrun continued to press, but against the run of play, Maccabi levelled in the 79th minute. A corner was not dealt with and the ball fell kindly to Roy Revivo, who slotted home from close range beneath Henry Bonello. The equaliser appeared to sap Ħamrun’s momentum, with the side retreating and beginning to show signs of fatigue.
In the final moments, a defensive misunderstanding proved costly. Elad Madmon was quickest to react to the loose ball, taking full advantage to beat Bonello from close range in the sixth minute of added time, sealing a dramatic victory for the visitors.
