Israeli duo through in Europa League
Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv reach final qualifying round.
Andrew Sherwood is the Jewish News Sport and Community Editor
Israel’s two remaining teams in the qualifying rounds for next season’s Europa League enjoyed comfortable wins on Thursday evening.
Maccabi Tel Aviv already held a commanding 3-1 first leg lead from their trip to Romania last week, and claimed a 2-1 win in the return leg to seal a 5-2 aggregate lead over Pandurii Târgu Jiu.
Nosa Emanuel Igiebor all but wrapped up the tie with a 24th minute strike, and although Marian Pleasca did level for the visitors just shy of the hour mark, Yossi Benayoun’s goal ten minutes from time sealed the win.
Elsewhere, Beitar Jerusalem were comprehensive 3-0 winners against Jelgava to complete a 4-1 aggregate lead.
Having drawn 1-1 in Latvia in last week’s first leg, Omer Atzily’s 16th minute penalty put them ahead in the tie.
Etey Shechter’s strike in the 29th minute gave them some breathing space, before Marcel Heister’s strike two minutes after the restart enable them to enjoy the remainder of the match.
Both sides will find out who they face in the play-off tie in Friday morning’s draw.
Hapoel Beersheva will also find out their opponents for their Champions League play-off tie following their win over Olympiakos on Wednesday night. The Israeli champions are guaranteed a place in the group stages of the Europa League, should they fail to win their play-off tie.
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