Maccabi Tel Aviv lift Israeli Cup, seeding shifts put Dínamo Kiev on Benfica’s radar | OneFootball

Maccabi Tel Aviv lifted the Israeli Cup, a result that reshapes Benfica’s Europa League second qualifying round picture. The Israelis will be seeded, so they cannot face Benfica at this stage.

According to Glorioso 1904, Dínamo Kiev have dropped into the unseeded pot and could meet Benfica in the 17 June draw.

Maccabi beat Hapoel Beer-Sheva 2-1 after falling behind to a Mohamad Abu Rumi strike. Hélio Varela, the Cape Verde international born in Almada, levelled after the break, then Roy Revivo completed the turnaround.

A fractious finish brought six red cards, three for each side, with five of the dismissals shown after the final whistle.

The seedings could shift again depending on the Cyprus Cup final between Apollon Limassol and Pafos. If Apollon win, they may land directly in Benfica’s path, while a Pafos triumph would drop Sheriff of Moldova into the potential opponents’ pot.

Another variable concerns Karviná, the Czech Cup winners, who are implicated in an alleged corruption case that could cost them a UEFA licence. Should that happen, Hradec Kralove would enter qualifying and might face Benfica.

Benfica’s possible field also includes clubs who still need to clear the first qualifying round, among them Zilina, Vojvodina, Universitatea Cluj, Aluminij, Derry City and Vestri.

Source: Glorioso 1904