BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC players pose for a team photo ahead of the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Aston Villa FC and Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC at Villa Park on November 06, 2025, in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)Credit: GettyPlayers from MACCABI TEL AVIV experienced a frightening incident when their plane was struck by LIGHTNING.
Reports from Israel indicate that the team was returning from Spain when the aircraft was hit while in flight.
Maccabi Tel Aviv players before their match against Aston Villa in the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty
The alarming event occurred just before the plane, carrying players and staff, landed at Ben Gurion Airport.
The aircraft landed safely, and fortunately, there were no injuries.
Sport 5 reports that a loud explosion and a flash of blue light were observed after the impact.
They also noted that the plane remained airborne for an additional half hour due to rain and strong winds before finally landing safely.
Maccabi Tel Aviv will be back in action on Saturday as they host Bnei Sakhnin.
They are currently trailing league leaders Hapoel Beer Sheva by eight points after 17 matches, needing to make significant progress in the title race.
Beitar Jerusalem is also sitting six points ahead of them in second place.
In European competition, Maccabi is ranked 35th out of 36 teams.
They have only managed to secure one point from six matches, scoring a mere two goals.
One of the teams that defeated them was Freiburg, with matches against Bologna and Freiburg scheduled later this month as the league phase draws to a close.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Maccabi Tel Aviv players during their flight?
The players' plane was struck by lightning while returning from Spain, but it landed safely with no injuries reported.
How is Maccabi Tel Aviv performing in the league?
Maccabi Tel Aviv is currently eight points behind league leaders Hapoel Beer Sheva and is in need of significant improvement to compete for the title.
What is Maccabi Tel Aviv's standing in European competitions?
In European competitions, Maccabi Tel Aviv is ranked 35th out of 36 teams, having earned only one point from six matches.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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