Nine-man Sheriff were hammered 4-1 after three late goals in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League 2nd qualifying round tie at Sammy Ofer Stadium on Wednesday as Maccabi Haifa produced a ruthless attacking performance - the victory securing a place in the 3rd Qualifying Round for the home side (4-2 aggregate).
Mesay Dego's side found the net courtesy of Tjaronn Chery, Mahmoud Jaber, Din David, and Erik Shuranov on the way to victory, with Amine Talal on target for the visitors.
Sheriff were dealt a blow when Luvannor Henrique and Talal were sent off - the latter shown a straight red card - after 86 and 94 minutes, respectively.
Talal had opened the scoring for the away team in the 20th minute from the penalty spot. The attacking midfielder slotted home his spot-kick, awarded when a VAR check spotted Konstantinos Apostolakis drew a foul from Lior Refaelov, to the lower right corner. However, that lead did not last long as Chery hauled the sides level 13 minutes later. Diaa Sabia supplied the assist.
M Haifa then edged in front for the first time thanks to Jaber putting his side 2-1 ahead with five minutes remaining, defensive midfielder Ali Muhammad this time the provider. It was 3-1 after Suf Podgoreanu set up David to put his team two goals ahead in stoppage time of the first extra period - finding the net with a volley.
Shuranov increased the pressure on the visitors with 107 minutes gone, the attacker on target to round off a move involving striker Frantzdy Pierrot, the goalkeeper unable to keep it out despite getting a touch.
A wastefulness in front of goal impacted both sides in the match, David spurning a good chance for M Haifa, Sheriff rueing a lack of composure from David Ankeye.
Highlights
WHAT IT MEANS:
Maccabi Haifa are through to the 3rd Qualifying Round on aggregate (4-2), while Sheriff will be transferred to the Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round.
IN THE GOALS:
Talal, Chery, Jaber, David, and Shuranov rank joint first early in the 2023/2024 Champions League season with zero goal.
INJURY CONCERN:
There was a double injury blow for Sheriff, first losing Moussa Kyabou in first-half stoppage time, then Konstantinos Apostolakis after 107 minutes.
VAR IN ACTION:
No calls were overturned as a result of VAR.