Maccabi Rishon LeZion rose to a promising 0-2 advantage on Monday evening – and now it is nearing winning the championship plate in the Winner's League, after beating Hapoel Ashdod 26:29 (11:9).
The reigning champions Ashdod could lose the title they won last season as early as Friday, when the Yellows can decide the series at home at Beit Maccabi (13:30).
Rishon LeZion continues to show very impressive dominance from the opening of the playoffs (rising to 1:7 from the quarterfinal stage that began with a meeting with Holon, continued with a victory over Ramat Hasharon and as mentioned in the current final series - registering 4 away victories in this trip).
As mentioned, this was a very significant victory for Maccabi Rishon LeZion. Maccabi Rishon LeZion coach Joe Mattia and his players knew that Ashdod was experienced in these positions, and managed in 5 different playoff series in recent years to come back from 1:0 behind to turn around and win.
Risto Vujcic, Ashdod's liaison in action, photo: Moshe Dahan
Two of Ashdod's turnovers were against Maccabi Rishon LeZion in the 2019 final, and in the semifinals last season. Can Ashdod now come back from 2-0? Definitely a challenge for her in the series that felt before her, that she is the favorite after two victories this season over Maccabi Rishon LeZion in the State Cup finals and in the Winner-Judges Cup final.
Joe Mathia: "Just connected with us, on a tough field, against a very good team. It's 0-2, but it's not over yet. I'm proud of the players for what they did today. We have to be ready for the upcoming game, and it's about keeping the house. There was a tough handball today. This team has proven throughout the playoffs that it is aiming for a championship title. In my head I think of Boston, Boston, Boston, but it's far away. Every game is exciting on this occasion. This period needs to be appreciated. I'm grateful for her."
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Andrea Vukojevich: "Maccabi took away our spirit and energy, but we have to find the strength now to return. Every game is like a final. Of course it's hard to win 3 times in a row. We believe anyway. I tried everything today, but it didn't work."
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