Juventus fell to a 2-0 defeat at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Matchday 4. A defeat that complicates the Bianconeri's ambitions, while for Maccabi Haifa it was their first Champions League points of the season.
THE MATCH
Pushed on by a passionate support the champions of Israel took the game to Juventus from kick-off. As early as the 4th minute the hosts had a chance to make the breakthrough, when Frantzdy Pierrot headed from close range. Wojciech Szczęsny's reactions were up to the task.
The goalkeeper was beaten three minutes later, however. Another cross from the right was met this time by Omer Atzili. Although the ball came off the winger's back rather than his head, it still beat Szczęsny at his far post.
Before quarter of an hour had elapsed both Tjaronn Chery, from a free kick, and Atzili, with a curling shot, risked adding to the hosts' advantage. Complicating the situaion further, Ángel Di María limped off on 24', clutching his hamstring.
The second goal for Maccabi arrived on 42'. Again Atzili was the scorer with a spectacular finish.
Juventus tired to throw themselves a lifeline. Daniele Rugani on 54' and Dušan Vlahović on 60', both with headers, tested Josh Cohen in the Maccabi goal.
The Bianconeri saw plenty of the ball but the home team were defending in depth, and although Juan Cuadrado and Arek Milik had efforts on goal, there was no way through for Juventus.
MACCABI HAIFA 2-0 JUVENTUS (HT:2-0)
Scorers: 7’ & 42’ Atzili (MH).
Maccabi Haifa: Cohen; Sundgren, Batubinsika, Goldberg, Cornud (71' Menachem); Lavi, Mohamed (86' Tchibota), Chery; David (71' Abu Fani), Pierrot (86' Rukavytsya), Atzili (66' Seck). Subs not used: Fucs, Mashpati, Arad, Meir, Levi, Eliyahu, Gershon. Coach: Bakhar..
Juventus: Szczesny; Danilo (68' Kean), Bonucci, Rugani, Alex Sandro (74' Soulé); Cuadrado, Paredes (46' Locatelli), Rabiot, McKennie (46' Kostic); Di Maria (24' Milik), Vlahovic. Subs not used: Perin, Pinsoglio, Bremer, Gatti, Miretti, Fagioli. Coach: Allegri.
Referee: Lahoz
BOOKINGS: 27’ Cornud (MH), 45’+3 McKennie (J), 80' Locatelli (J).