The Europa League clash between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv had generated huge expectations in recent weeks—both on and off the field.
Aston Villa, considered one of the main contenders to lift the trophy, came into the match after a surprise defeat to Go Ahead Eagles in their last European outing. Returning home to Villa Park, they hosted Maccabi Tel Aviv, the Israeli champions who sat at the bottom of their group and were still searching for their first win of the competition.
Given the gap in quality and form, many expected a one-sided affair. Yet both coaches made it clear in their pre-match press conferences that they were prepared for a tough contest.
A match that attracted protests and reactions from every level in British society and officials. Signs calling to ban Israel from international football outside of Villa Park oon Thursday (Photo courtesy: Yossi Medina/BabaGol)
Protests and Palestine flags
Off the pitch, much of the attention centered on the West Midlands Police’s controversial decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending the game due to security concerns and the risk of potential clashes. Despite the empty away section, protests still took place outside the stadium. Police confirmed they had prepared for five different demonstration points, including one large-scale protest in nearby Aston Park.
Many Aston Villa fans voiced opposition to the ban, which became a major talking point on the train from the city center to the ground. “I think this decision is a shame for us as a club,” said James, a 28-year-old local supporter. “We welcome everyone—it’s all about football at the end of the day.”
The protest in Aston Park turned out smaller than anticipated, with around 150 participants calling on FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel from international football due to its actions in Gaza over the past two years.
Stands with Palestinian and BDS movement merchandise was placed outside the stadium in Birmingham (Photo courtesy: Yossi Medina/BabaGol)
FIRST HALF: Maccabi stood strong
Just as the protests were quieter than expected, so was the match itself. Maccabi coach Zarko Lazetic had promised that his side would come with a clear game plan—and in the first half, it was evident: slow the tempo, stay compact, and defend with discipline.
Maccabi’s best opportunity came in the 39th minute. Roy Revivo burst down the left flank and squared the ball to Dor Peretz, who found himself free in front of Emiliano Martínez. But Peretz’s effort was tame, and the Argentine goalkeeper collected it easily.
The visitors seemed poised to head into the break with a respectable 0–0 scoreline, but a moment of quality changed that. In the first minute of added time, Ian Maatsen found space on the left and lofted a clever shot over Roi Mishpati from a tight angle to make it 1–0 to Villa at halftime.
SECOND HALF: Aston Villa did the work
Early in the second half, Maccabi again came close. In the 54th minute, Dor Peretz forced another save from Martínez. But just minutes later, Aston Villa struck decisively. Ezri Konsa broke into the box, and Elad Madmon’s light tug on his shirt was enough to concede a penalty. Donyell Malen stepped up and converted coolly into the bottom-left corner, just out of Mishpati’s reach. 2–0 to Aston Villa.
From there, the pace of the game slowed. Maccabi couldn’t sustain their early energy, while Unai Emery made a series of substitutions to secure control. Villa comfortably saw out the match, sealing another European victory.
After the final whistle, Zarko Lazetic expressed pride in his players despite the result.
“It was a difficult match against a strong opponent, and we learned a lot tonight,” he said. “We had some good chances and close moments, and I’m optimistic we can improve and be better in the next European games.”
Had two great oppunrtunities, but missed them both and then the gaps vavve prevailed. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Dor Peretz (left), is chasing Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana (Photo courtesy: Maccabi Tel Aviv’s official website)
Aston Villa overcame Maccabi Tel Aviv 2–0 in a Europa League night marked by police protests, fan bans, and off-field political tension.