Maccabi Haifa (Isr) vs Slovan Bratislava (Svk) prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – Qualification betting tips on match 2023-08-14 17:00.
Maccabi Haifa carry a slender one-goal lead from the first leg of this UEFA Champions League (UCL) third round qualification tie against Slovan Bratislava, as they look to move a step closer to securing consecutive UCL group-stage appearances for the first time. The Greens have won four of their five UCL games this season (L1), with three of those, including the first leg of this tie, finishing 2-1 during regular time.
All three goals last week were scored within the first 15 minutes, where Maccabi could have had a bigger lead but for some poor finishing late in the game. While there could be some nervous energy about those missed chances costing them here, Maccabi can breathe easy looking at their record of only two defeats across their last 12 home UCL matches (W8, D2), especially knowing just a draw is enough to extend their UCL journey.
Slovan last played at this stage of this tournament in 2014/15, when they beat Sheriff Tiraspol after winning the first leg 2-1. The tables are turned now, and the Slovakian champions have a huge task on their hands in Israel, with a transfer to the Europa League play-off round the consequence of failure. Coincidentally, their domestic league match at the weekend ended in a 2-1 win, a score VladimĂr Weiss’ men might not mind on this trip to at least force extra time.
The visitors could be quietly confident of their chances considering they haven’t lost consecutive UCL matches in the same campaign since August 2009. If that doesn’t boost their morale, a run of four straight UCL away wins should keep spirits high, with two of those victories arriving courtesy of a 2-1 scoreline.
Key battle: Dia Saba had a goal and assist in the first leg, making it a busy couple of matchdays in the UCL for the midfielder (G1, A2, YC1). Slovan goalkeeper Milan Borjan was rested over the weekend, giving him time to ponder his disappointing personal record against Maccabi, against whom he has conceded seven goals across three winless H2Hs (D1, L2).
Hot stat: In ten of Maccabi’s last 13 home UCL matches, the match-opening goal was scored within the first half-hour.