Analysis The numbers behind the result
Own goal decisive as Maccabi edge xG-tight contest
Maccabi Tel Aviv's narrow 1-0 victory was deserved based on the balance of play, though Sheriff Tiraspol will rue Sekou Kone's 29th-minute own goal that separated the sides. Both teams shared 50% possession in a game that lacked clear-cut chances, with Maccabi registering 3 shots on target to Sheriff's 0. The hosts created marginally better opportunities overall, as evidenced by their 12 corners compared to Sheriff's 7, though neither side looked particularly clinical in front of goal.
The game hinged on Kone's unfortunate intervention, which came after a period of Maccabi pressure. Sheriff made all five substitutions in search of an equalizer, yet failed to force Maccabi goalkeeper Ofek Melika into a single save. The visitors' frustration showed in their 11 fouls and two yellow cards, including one for Baye Assane Ciss in stoppage time. Ultimately, Maccabi's greater attacking intent – reflected in their 8 total shots (3 blocked) compared to Sheriff's 6 (2 blocked) – proved the difference despite both sides' profligacy.
The key statistic highlighting Maccabi's slight edge was their 12 corners versus Sheriff's 7 – a marker of their marginally superior attacking pressure that eventually forced the decisive own goal.