Young Boys advance to the Champions League group stage for the third time in five years. The Swiss champions won the play-off second leg against Maccabi Haifa 3–0. Unlike last Wednesday’s zero first leg, there was no lengthy review in Berne. Both teams started out as firefighters, with the visitors being the more dangerous team.

YB was extremely efficient that Tuesday night in front of the sold out house. Within five minutes, they got the game back on track midway through the first half. First, Cedric Itten, who had been ineffective up to this point, delivered a powerful cross from Meshak Elia from five meters with his head. Then it was centre-back Abdoulaye Sek, who in turn deceived his own goalkeeper after a sharp cross from Elia.

Filip Ugrinich made his decision just a minute after the restart. The midfielder, who moved from the flank to the center after a 2-0 advantage, took advantage of the guests’ inadequate attempt to knock the ball out and shot from the penalty line, making it 3-0, said Daniel Sundgren. Daniel Sundgren deflected the shot and deflected it.

Guests complain about three aluminum hits

Before the Bernese double strike, the guests were the more dangerous team. But unlike the Swiss champions, they ended up being too inaccurate – or aiming too accurately. Maccabi Haifa hit the woodwork twice in the first half. In the 3rd minute, Loris Benito and captain Mohamed Ali Camara didn’t show much skill, so Dean David found himself alone in front of Anthony Racioppi, but pushed the ball into the right post. In the 31st minute, Franzdi Piero headed past the crossbar from close range.

The second half was not as spectacular as the first. Rafael Vicki’s team kept the game under control and left Maccabi almost no chance in defense. In the offensive, the Bernese repeatedly delivered injections. With a three-goal lead behind them, YB were no longer as focused, so one or another promising chance for a counter-attack remained untapped.

On the other hand, Racioppi faced a serious problem only once in the second half. With Dia Saba coming on as a substitute – many expected a striker to start – the YB keeper showed no problem on the edge of the box. Racioppi would have had no chance against Dolev Haziza’s shot with about five minutes left. The ball hit the crossbar again.

Third participation in the Champions League

While the Bernese had suffered a setback against Anderlecht in the Conference League play-offs the previous season, it was the Swiss champions’ quiet two-game play against Maccabi Haifa, who deservedly triumphed over the Israeli champions.

Thus, YB is in the Champions League group stage for the third time after 2018 and 2021. With whom the champion of Switzerland will meet there, the draw will decide on Thursday.

You can read the current ticker here:

(SDA/ADA)