Student champions Birmingham Maccabi triumph over Olami Madrid
Months after Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were banned from the city, Birmingham's Jewish team took their football to Europe
Reigning UJS Cup champions Birmingham Maccabi continued their remarkable rise in student football with a commanding 5–1 victory over Olami Madrid, another Jewish student team, in an international friendly.
Just months after West Midlands Police barred Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending their side’s Europa Conference League fixture against Aston Villa on “security grounds,” Birmingham’s own Maccabi side travelled to Spain and made their presence known — proving that when the game cannot come to them, they’ll take their game to Europe instead.
The Oaks began under pressure, with Club President and goalkeeper Weiniger producing a vital early save to steady the side. Defenders Selig, Simons, Ziffy, and Stonefield held firm, giving Birmingham the foundation to build forward. Tactical adjustments from manager Blitz turned the tide, as substitutes Zeital and Ellis injected fresh energy. Stockman then made history by scoring the first‑ever European goal by a UJS player, putting the visitors 1–0 ahead.
Birmingham soon seized full control. Goldblatt doubled the lead with a dazzling solo effort before a rapid Conway brace put the result beyond doubt. Grant and Corny Jr relentlessly pressed the Madrid defence, and Swead crowned the performance with a composed fifth goal.
Reflecting on the win, Club President Harry Weiniger commented:
“This result stands for much more than football. It’s a celebration of how strong, united, and proud our student community is — both on and off the pitch. The players carried Birmingham and Jewish student sport onto the European stage with courage, spirit, and class. I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved.”
For Birmingham Maccabi, the victory in Madrid was more than a scoreline — it was a statement that Jewish sport in Europe remains alive, confident, and thriving.
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