Maccabi ready to hit ignition against Porto
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Article summary
Maccabi Tel-Aviv coach Slaviša Jokanović says that lessons have been learned as his out-of-sorts side seek a first win and point in Group G against halfway leaders Porto.
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- Unbeaten Porto top Group G after a 2-0 victory when these sides met two weeks ago
- Only a win will guarantee that Maccabi are still in contention for a last-16 spot
- Maccabi have lost six of their last ten games
- The only team to end a group stage without a goal or a point was Maccabi Haifa in 2009/10
- Matchday three scorer Yacine Brahimi and Maicon out for Porto
Possible lineup
Maccabi Tel-Aviv: Rajković; Shpungin, Tibi, Ben Haim I, Rikan; Alberman, Igiebor, Mitrović; Ben Haim II, Vermouth, Zahavi.
Out: Itzahaki (thigh), Dasa (harmstring), Radonjić (ankle)
Doubtful: Tal Ben Haim I (back), Igiebor (knee)
Porto: Casillas; Maxi Pereira, Marcano, Martins Indi, Layún; Danilo, Rúben Neves, André André, Imbula, Corona; Aboubakar.
Out: André Silva (ankle), Maicon (thigh), Brahimi (thigh)
Slaviša Jokanović, Maccabi coach
I'm anticipating our best performance yet and looking for nothing less than a win. For many of our players, taking on teams like this is a new experience – you pay for every mistake. We want to show our supporters who we are and give something back to them. We will try to be focused and clinical. Our situation means we can't afford to take our chances.
Julen Lopetegui, Porto coach
My main concern is reaching the next round and tomorrow we can take a big step towards it. We have a lot of respect for Maccabi Tel-Aviv; they are a good team with good players and will have a lot of fans behind them. We will have to be at our best. We have an opportunity to improve our lot in the group.
Weekend results
Hapoel Tel-Aviv 0-1 Maccabi (García 86)
Carlos García's second goal in four outings earned Maccabi the derby spoils – the Spanish defender's previous 54 appearances had brought a solitary strike.
União P-P Porto
Porto were scheduled to face União on Saturday but the match was postponed because adverse weather meant their plane was unable to land in Madeira.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Maccabi: WLLLWW
Porto: DWWWWD
Did you know?
Maccabi have lost five of their nine UEFA Champions League games this season, qualifying included. Find out more in our extensive match background.