Hapoel secure first point against Schalke
Reuters - Tuesday 02 November 2010, 23:41
TEL AVIV, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Israel's Hapoel Tel Aviv held
German visitors Schalke 04 to a goalless draw at home in their
Champions League group B clash on Tuesday to gain their first
point in the competition after three defeats.
Although missing leading striker Etey Shechter through a leg
injury, Hapoel forwards Toto Tamuz and Ben Sahar created a
number of chances but failed to convert.
Frantic defending by the home team ensured that Hapoel
gained their first point in the group stages but that was not
enough to lift them off the bottom of the standings.
"We played an excellent game today and the fact we feel we
missed out speaks for itself. We had so many chances and did not
score. It is disappointing," Hapoel coach Eli Guttman told
reporters.
"I am proud of my players. They gave everything and deserve
full credit."
While Schalke keeper Manuel Neuer made a number of
acrobatic saves to frustrate Hapoel, at the other end Nigerian
international goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama enjoyed a drama free
evening as he was rarely threatened by strikers Raul Gonzalez
and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Schalke stayed in the hunt to progress from the group with
seven points. They trail leaders Olympique Lyon by two points
and Benfica have six.
"Today's game was harder than I had anticipated," Schalke
coach Felix Magath said. "They played well and I am pleased with
the point we gained."