Maccabi Haifa's champions league run ends with loss

Israeli soccer champions crash out of Europe’s premier competition after 6-1 home defeat to Portuguese side Benfica, quashing hopes of qualifying to second-tier Europa League

AFP|
Maccabi Haifa's Champions League run ended on Wednesday night with a home loss to Portuguese club Benfica by a score of 6-1.
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  • The Israeli team thus finished in last place in the group stage, missing out on an opportunity to continue international play in the Europa League.
    Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are moving on to the round of 16, while third-place Juventus will play in the Europa League.
    Benfica and PSG were tied on points, with PSG defeating Juventus 2-1 in Turin, Italy on Wednesday night. However, Benfica took first place with more away goals scored — Benfica with nine away goals against PSG's six.
    Benfica scored five second-half goals to beat Maccabi Haifa.
    A header by Goncalo Ramos opened the scoring for the Portuguese side, which was canceled out by a Tjaronn Chery penalty in the 26th minute, but Petar Musa put Benfica back ahead just before the hour mark.
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    שחקני מכבי חיפה מאוכזבים
    שחקני מכבי חיפה מאוכזבים
    Maccabi Haifa players
    (Photo: AFP)
    Alex Grimaldo, from a free-kick, and Rafa Silva added further goals and Henrique Araujo made it five in the 88th minute, before Joao Mario sealed a sensational win two minutes into stoppage time.
    This is Maccabi's third Champions League campaign in its history. No Israeli team has ever advanced to the round of 16.
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