On january 2017
Carlos Cuéllar's Maccabi Petah Tikva came away with a well-deserved draw against Hapoel Be'er Sheva (1-1). The Madrid native returned to the starting XI after recovering from injury and played a key role in defending against the attacks of the reigning champions, who currently top the table. Hapoel, who are through to the last 32 of the Europa League, struggled to find their rhythm at HaMoshava Stadium. They went in front in the 72nd minute but the home side's effort earned its reward in the 90th minute, when Uri levelled and established the final score.
Carlos showed why he is one of Maccabi's leaders. He hurt himself in a clash with one of the opposing strikers and required medical attention. The opening quarter of an hour had barely passed. Before leaving the field of play to receive medical attention, he produced a crucial intervention in the six-yard box to prevent Hapoel from taking lead. Cuéllar soldiered on until half-time with his arm crossed and stuck to his chest. There were doubts over whether he would play in the second half, but he resisted the discomfort until the final whistle.
After the break, spurred on by their fans (the HaMoshava registered a good attendance), Maccabi Petah Tikva had chances to draw level before Uri's strike. They switched to a back four and managed to take two points away from the best team in the country late on. A deserved prize in an exceptional season, which will continue in their next match against Bnei Yehuda.
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