Maribor players, who brought a 1:0 advantage to Cyprus, were confident ahead of the match as it was played on neutral turf because Maccabi could not play at home due to the security situation in Israel.

The confidence and the aggression early in the match paid out, with Agim Ibraimi scoring in the 35th minute to give Maribor an overall lead of two goals to none.

Maccabi Tel Aviv scored late in the first half and early in the second half to even the aggregate score, but they still needed one more goal to advance as Maribor had more away goals.

But the reliable midfielder Ibraimi made it difficult for the Israelis by scoring his second goal in the the 55th minute to make sure the Slovenian champions advance.

Maccabi were desperately trying to score in the final minutes, having blown several great chances.

Maribor will get their opponent in the final qualifying round through Friday's draw. If the club fails to make it to the Champions League, it will play in the group stage of the second-tier UEFA Europa League.