Anderson strike sinks Partizan

Maccabi Haifa FC have moved into a strong position in Group A after Xavier Anderson's first-half goal earned a hard-fought victory over FK Partizan.

Perfect response
Roni Levy's side found the perfect response to their defeat at Rangers FC three weeks ago and are now second in the section with six points, one fewer than the Scottish club. Partizan, having played only two games, are one of three teams with a solitary point.

Disallowed goal
The Israeli outfit looked bright from the start and, in the eighth minute, Adoram Keise delivered a good cross to Yaniv Katan who headed over. Two minutes later Katan did have the ball in the net, but his effort was disallowed for a push by Lior Rafaelov on Nenad Djordjević. Nebojša Marinković then forced the first save of the match when his long-range attempt was blocked by Nir Davidovich in the home goal.

Anderson breakthrough
But in the 21st minute, the hosts did take the lead. An inswinging corner from the left by Katan picked out Anderson at the near post and the Brazilian made no mistake. The visitors from Belgrade should have equalised four minutes later, but Obiora Odita's header from the centre of the penalty area was tipped round the post by Davidovich. The Israeli international was tested again on the half-hour, this time blocking from Milan Smiljanić.

Impressive Davidovich
Immediately after the break, Katan tried to press home the Maccabi advantage with a cheeky lob from outside the box which beat Partizan keeper Safet Jahić yet drifted narrowly wide. Gustavo Boccoli then wasted two excellent opportunities to extend the lead. At the other end, Ivan Tomić, Bojan Zajić and Smiljanić all came close but were frustrated by the impressive Davidovich, who secured the three points.