Maccabi Haifa vs Juventus 2-0: Bianconeri Collapse in Israel

Juventus has reached a new low. In what was supposed to be a glorious chance to catch up to PSG and Benfica in their Champions League group, the Bianconeri crashed in Israel, going down 2-0 to Maccabi Haifa.

Omer Atzili scored a brace in the first half, which did the damage at the Sammy Ofer Stadium. Goals in the seventh and 42nd minute for the Israeli champions now means that they are level on points with Juve. The Italian side still holds on to third place on goal difference, but their hopes of making this season’s Champions League knockout round look even more unlikely now.

Starting with a striking pair of Dusan Vlahovic and Angel Di Maria, Juve was second best throughout the first half. The hosts were full value for their victory, taking their chances with aplomb. In fact, the first half stats read seven shots to two in favour of the Israelis. While the Old Lady woke up a bit in the second half, it was not enough to turn things around.

Now questions will continue to be asked about the status of Juventus coach Max Allegri. Many have continued to ponder whether the Juve higher-ups will sack the 55-year-old. Shortly after the match, Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Twitter that Allegri will remain in charge despite the result. Following the defeat to Milan on the weekend, things looked more and more uncertain for the Juve coach. Now after this new embarrassment, their fifth reverse in the season, Allegri’s days are surely numbered.