Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Slavisa Jokanovic has claimed that his side "did not play brilliantly", but worked hard to earn a 2-2 draw away to Basel.
The Swiss side looked to have a secured a first-leg lead thanks to Breel Embolo's 88th-minute goal, but Eran Zahavi headed his second of the game in the sixth minute of stoppage time to bring the Israeli outfit back on terms.
However, Jokanovic is hoping that Maccabi can play "with a clear head" when they face Basel in the second leg.
He is quoted by UEFA.com as saying: "We did not play brilliantly. But we worked hard and carved out this present, with that goal we scored in the last minute.
"I am sure we will have a full stadium in Tel-Aviv. We have to play this with a clear head and be smart to make this final important step.
"Basel is a good team but we did not allow them many chances and scored two goals, which is very important away from home."
Maccabi's draw ended Basel's run of eight straight wins since the start of the season.
Chris O'Keefe
