TSC Vs M.Tel-Aviv

As the battle for a spot in the League Phase of the newly revamped UEFA Europa League intensifies, Backa Topola and Maccabi Tel Aviv are set to face off in a high-stakes playoff second leg on Thursday night. With their European aspirations hanging by a thread, Backa Topola must overturn a significant deficit against an experienced and resilient Maccabi Tel Aviv side.

A Steep Hill to Climb for Backa Topola

Backa Topola, commonly referred to as TSC, earned their spot in the playoff round of the 2024-25 Europa League by finishing third in the Serbian Super Liga during the 2023-24 season. However, their journey on the continental stage has been anything but smooth. After just one match in the competition, it appears that their European campaign could be over before it even truly begins.

In the first leg of this playoff tie, held in Hungary, TSC endured a nightmare start that saw them suffer significant setbacks early on. The team’s discipline was sorely tested, and they ultimately paid the price when both Mateja Djordjevic and Mihajlo Banjac were sent off before halftime. This left TSC with just nine men to battle a Maccabi Tel Aviv side that has shown time and again that they know how to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes.

The second half of the match was a predictable struggle for TSC, and they eventually succumbed to a 3-0 defeat. Goals from Dor Turgeman, Dor Peretz, and Elad Madmon ensured that Maccabi Tel Aviv returned home with a commanding advantage. TSC goalkeeper Veljko Ilic was left helpless as his side's defensive structure crumbled under the relentless pressure from the Israeli side.

The poor performance in Hungary has left TSC with a mountain to climb in the second leg. Not only do they need to overturn a three-goal deficit, but they must also do so against a team that has proven its quality on the European stage.

Struggles on Multiple Fronts for TSC

The challenges facing TSC extend beyond their European campaign. The team has also struggled domestically, where they currently find themselves languishing in 10th place in the Serbian Super Liga. With just two wins from their opening five league matches of the 2024-25 season, TSC's form has been inconsistent, raising concerns about their ability to mount a successful comeback in the Europa League.

Their domestic woes mirror their difficulties in Europe, and Thursday's hosts are well aware that they need a major turnaround to keep their European dream alive. The combination of their current league position and the heavy defeat in the first leg means that TSC's confidence may be fragile as they head into this crucial match.

Maccabi Tel Aviv: On the Verge of European Progression

Maccabi Tel Aviv, on the other hand, find themselves in a much more favorable position. After narrowly missing out on a place in the revamped UEFA Champions League—falling to FCSB in the second round of qualifying—the Israeli giants have become one of the standout teams in the Europa League's preliminary stages. Their performance in the first leg against TSC only reinforced their status as a team to watch in this competition.

The Yellows, as Maccabi Tel Aviv are known, arrived in Hungary just days after securing the Toto Cup with a victory over Bnei Sakhnin on August 18. Despite the quick turnaround, they showed no signs of fatigue as they professionally dispatched a TSC side that was hampered by ill-discipline. Now, with a three-goal cushion, Maccabi Tel Aviv are on the brink of securing their place in the League Phase of the Europa League.

Adding to their advantage is the fact that Maccabi Tel Aviv have yet to begin their Israeli Premier League campaign. Due to a series of postponements, the Yellows have had ample time to focus solely on their European fixtures. This has allowed them to approach their matches with a level of preparation and freshness that is often hard to achieve during a congested domestic schedule. Their first domestic league game is scheduled for Sunday, where they will face Maccabi Petach Tikva, but for now, their attention remains firmly on securing their European progression.

Zarko Lazetic: Leading Maccabi Tel Aviv's European Charge

A key figure in Maccabi Tel Aviv's recent success is their head coach, Zarko Lazetic. The Serbian tactician took over the reins from former Tottenham Hotspur and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane during the summer, and his impact has been immediate. Lazetic has guided Maccabi Tel Aviv to four wins in his first six matches in charge, showcasing his ability to get the best out of his squad.

Lazetic's familiarity with Backa Topola, his former club, adds an interesting dynamic to this tie. Having previously managed TSC, he is well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the Serbian side. This insider knowledge, combined with his experience at the helm of Maccabi Tel Aviv, could prove to be a significant advantage as he looks to steer the Israeli club into the next phase of the competition.

Tactical Analysis: What to Expect in the Second Leg

As the two teams prepare for the second leg, there are several tactical considerations that could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the tie. For TSC, the challenge is clear: they must adopt an aggressive approach if they are to have any hope of overturning the three-goal deficit. This will likely involve a high press and a willingness to commit numbers forward in search of early goals. However, such an approach comes with risks, as Maccabi Tel Aviv are more than capable of exploiting the spaces left behind.

Defensively, TSC will need to be much more disciplined than they were in the first leg. The early red cards in Hungary not only left them short-handed but also shattered their defensive organization. Avoiding similar lapses in the second leg will be essential if they are to keep Maccabi Tel Aviv at bay and build any momentum towards a comeback.

For Maccabi Tel Aviv, the strategy may be more about containment and control. With a three-goal advantage, they do not need to chase the game. Instead, they can afford to sit back, absorb pressure, and look to hit TSC on the counterattack. The Israeli side has the players to execute this plan effectively, with pace and precision in wide areas and a strong defensive structure that has been well-drilled under Lazetic's guidance.

Key Players to Watch

Several players will be central to their respective teams' fortunes on Thursday night. For TSC, the performance of Veljko Ilic in goal could be decisive. If the Serbian side is to have any chance of staging a comeback, Ilic will need to be at his very best, making crucial saves and organizing his defense. At the other end of the pitch, TSC will be looking to their forward players to deliver in the absence of the suspended Djordjevic and Banjac. The likes of Petar Stanić and Dusan Tadic will need to step up and provide the attacking impetus that TSC so desperately needs.

Maccabi Tel Aviv's attacking trio of Dor Turgeman, Dor Peretz, and Elad Madmon will once again be key to their success. All three players found the back of the net in the first leg, and they will be eager to add to their tally in the return fixture. Additionally, the leadership of captain Sheran Yeini in defense will be crucial in maintaining the team's composure and focus throughout the match.

The Stakes: What’s on the Line?

The significance of this playoff tie extends beyond just the immediate result. For Backa Topola, progression to the League Phase of the Europa League would represent a historic achievement, marking a significant milestone in the club’s European journey. It would also provide a much-needed boost to a team that has struggled in both domestic and European competitions this season.

For Maccabi Tel Aviv, advancing to the League Phase is almost an expectation. The Israeli club has a proud history in European competitions, and their current squad is built with the ambition of making a deep run in the Europa League. Failure to progress at this stage would be seen as a major disappointment, particularly given their strong position heading into the second leg.

The Bigger Picture: Europa League’s Revamped Format

This season’s Europa League features a revamped format, with the introduction of the League Phase adding a new dimension to the competition. The shift to a more inclusive and competitive structure means that there is more at stake for clubs like Backa Topola and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Progressing through the playoffs offers the chance to compete against some of Europe’s elite clubs, while also providing financial rewards and increased visibility on the continental stage.

For clubs from smaller leagues, like Serbia’s Backa Topola, participation in the Europa League’s League Phase could have long-term benefits, including increased revenue from television rights, sponsorship deals, and matchday income. It would also help raise the club’s profile internationally, potentially attracting better players and investment.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Both Clubs

As the second leg approaches, the tension and anticipation will be palpable. For Backa Topola, this match represents a final opportunity to salvage their European campaign and avoid an early exit. The Serbian side knows that they must produce something special to overcome Maccabi Tel Aviv and keep their dreams alive.

Maccabi Tel Aviv, on the other hand, will be focused on finishing the job they started in Hungary. With a three-goal advantage and a wealth of experience in European competitions, the Israeli club will be confident of securing their place in the League Phase.