Challenges on and off the Pitch for Maccabi Haifa

Even under the best of circumstances, the players on Maccabi Haifa would face a serious challenge playing against a team like Liverpool. But as anyone who has been following the news knows, the circumstances are anything but normal for people living in the Israeli port city.

A story in the International Herald Tribune details what it has been like for Maccabi’s players – many of them from other countries – as they have prepared for Wednesday’s Champions League third round match against Liverpool while living in a country in the midst of war.

Despite the disruptions and distractions the Israeli side has faced, Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez expects the three-time consecutive Israeli league champions to give his team a challenge.

The second leg between the two teams will likely be played in Ukraine on August 23 after UEFA asked Maccabi to find a location outside of Israel for the match.

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Category: Champions League