The first leg of the second qualification round of the Europa League took place at Stade de la Meinau in Strasbourg, France. Around 25,000 local supporters and 400 green fans attended the stadium.
 
Maccabi arrived at the match after passing NŠ Mura from Slovenia in the previous round. On the other hand, the French team returned to compete in European level after 13 years. During those years they ran into financial troubles and were relegated to the fifth division, but last season they won the French League Cup and ensured themselves participation in the European League qualifiers.
 
Maccabi’s line-up: Haimov, Mabouka, Arad, Habashi, Gershon, Meir, Plakuschenko, Lavi (c), Ashkenazi, Rukavytsya, Shua. 
 
Kick off 
 
15’ Mabouka delivers a cross into the box, the ball reaches Raz Meir on the left flank, he shoots with his right foot straight to the hands of the French goalkeeper. 
 
27’ Guy Haimov delivers a great save when he reaches the top corner and stops a powerful shot from 20 meters by Fofana. 
 
35’ Lavi passes a brilliant long ball towards Rukavytsya, the striker is now one-on-one against the keeper, he shoots from 10 meters, but the ball hits the post and goes out of play. 
 
38’ Plakuschenko shoots strongly from 18 meters, the ball hits a local defender and is deflected into the net! 0:1 for Maccabi.
 
42’ Habashi fouls Da Costa inside the box and is sent off. Ajorque scores from the penalty spot. 1:1
 
Second half 
 
47’ Thomasson scores from seven meters and puts the French ahead. 2:1 for Strasbourg. 
 
49’ Substitution for Maccabi: Sun Menachem in, Yarden Shua out.
 
60’ The French make full use of their numerical advantage. Martin scores after a team play by Strasbourg. 3:1
 
66’ Substitution for Maccabi: Dolev Haziza in, Maxim Plakuschenko out.
 
89’ Substitution for Maccabi: Alysson Dos Santos in, Nikita Rukavytsya out. 
 
90’ Dolev Haziza has a great opportunity, he runs towards the target, shoots from 16 meters but the ball only hits the crossbar. 
 
Final whistle. Maccabi registered a 3:1 loss away from home. 
 
 
 
 

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