Maccabi unhappy with early arrival for Villa game
Maccabi Tel Aviv manager Zarko Lazetic expressed frustration after his team were instructed to arrive at Villa Park five hours before kick-off for their Europa League fixture against Aston Villa, which the hosts won 2-0 on Thursday night.
The Group Stage match was played under heavy security restrictions, with Maccabi’s travelling supporters barred from attending due to safety concerns. West Midlands Police deployed more than 700 officers, including mounted units, dog teams, and drone support, to manage pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrations outside the stadium. Authorities confirmed six arrests before kick-off, three on suspicion of racially aggravated offences.
Lazetic said the unusual pre-match routine affected his team’s preparations. “It was not normal,” the Serbian coach told reporters. “Sitting for hours with nothing to do, five hours before the match — it was very difficult. It was not our decision.”
On the pitch, Aston Villa secured victory through goals from Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen, the latter converting from the penalty spot. The result strengthened Villa’s position in the group as they target automatic qualification for the knockout rounds.
Villa manager Unai Emery acknowledged the team’s uneven performance but praised their composure. “I’m happy with the result, not completely with the performance,” Emery said. “We made some mistakes and conceded more chances than we planned, but overall we managed the match well and used our experience in Europe.”
The win leaves Villa well-placed at the halfway stage of the league phase, while Maccabi sit sixth with matches against Young Boys, Basel, Fenerbahce, and Salzburg still ahead.
The encounter underscored the broader security and political sensitivities surrounding Israeli clubs competing in Europe this season, as Maccabi continue to navigate logistical and safety challenges off the pitch while fighting to keep their continental hopes alive.