Five years after the galvanizing but frustrating one against Naples in the Champions League (0-2 / 0-2) and especially nine years after the traumatic one against Apollon Limassol (0-2 / 2-1), Les Aiglons is moving towards a new European barrage which promises to be salty on the shores of the Mediterranean. The Gym faces Maccabi Tel Aviv this Thursday in a brand new Bloomfield stadium, renovated in 2019 and which will be full. 29,500 spectators are expected to push behind the most successful club in Israel and show all the colors to the Aiglons, who will still see some reassuring red and black touches. Several hundred Nice supporters are expected. “There will be a very nice atmosphere but I saw that we will not be alone, there are people from Nice who will be there,” welcomed Lucien Favre at a press conference.
Yes we are logically favorite
In this hostile atmosphere, the Gym must still assume this status of favorite. “We play in a big championship so yes logically we are favorites,” confirms Favre, who is still cautious. “I saw their two games against Aris Thessaloniki and each time Tel Aviv was better. The objectives are not yet clear this season but yes we absolutely want to qualify for the group stage.” “We do not want to put too much weight on this match but it is clear that we want to qualify and carry the name of our club in Europe,” adds Captain Dante, alongside the coach. “We have to be focused on our game and on this game without thinking about the consequences for the rest of the season.”
With a group only amputated from Boudaoui (back) and Dolberg (shoulder), Lucien Favre has enough to turn for this match which comes four days after the draw against Strasbourg. Sufficient time to field the best team possible. “If we chain the weeks to three games obviously that will impose rotation. But this one comes four days after Strasbourg so there may be two or three adjustments but no more.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv has arguments
Opposite, Maccabi Tel Aviv, the most successful club in Israel with 25 national crowns, has just freturn to Vladimir Ivic the coach who offered him his last league title but also national heroes like Eran Zahavi or Nir Bitton, two Israelis who have made PSV Eindhoven and Celtic Glasgow happy in recent seasons. Additional arguments to remain on guard before this barrage to go which unfortunately will not be broadcast on French television due to the financial conditions demanded by the Israeli club and which also concerns French radio stations. Discussions are continuing to be able to bring it to you live and in full on France Bleu Azur from 7 p.m. (French time).