(Updated Wednesday 10:15 AM) The 2002 Maccabi Haifa soccer club assured themselves a place in Israeli sports history yesterday, by defeating Greek powerhouse Olympiakos Piraeus 3-0 in a first round European Champions League match. Yesterday’s victory marks the first time an Israeli squad has ever come out victorious in a Champions League game. Nigerian-born Ayegbini Ya’akoubu scored all of Haifa’s goals earning him a hat trick. Israel dominated play from the opening whistle, nearly scoring on several opportunities early in the match. The squad broke through in the 25 minute on a penalty kick blast from Ya’akoubu that sailed past the Greek goalkeeper. Olympiakos never recovered and failed to put any points on the board.
The game was considered a home game for Maccabi Haifa, despite the fact that it was played in Nicosia, Cyprus. The UEFA soccer league, which runs the tournament, issued a ruling banning all matches from taking place in Israel due to the security situation.
The game was considered a home game for Maccabi Haifa, despite the fact that it was played in Nicosia, Cyprus. The UEFA soccer league, which runs the tournament, issued a ruling banning all matches from taking place in Israel due to the security situation.